The CMES seminar brought together a large and engaged audience to hear Alice Panepinto (Queen’s University Belfast) present her research on settler violence in the occupied West Bank. The room was filled to capacity, with participants from across disciplines, reflecting strong interest in the topic and its broader implications.
The seminar concluded with an extended Q&A session, where numerous questions from the audience highlighted both the complexity of the issue and the high level of engagement among attendees.
From individual acts to state responsibility
In her presentation, Panepinto argued that settler violence should not be understood solely as isolated acts carried out by individuals, but rather as part of a broader system in which the state plays a central role.
A key point of the talk was the difficulty of separating the actions of settlers from those of the state. According to Panepinto, the relationship between the two is deeply intertwined, raising important questions about attribution and accountability under international law.
Legal frameworks and international accountability
The seminar explored how existing legal frameworks can be used to assess responsibility. Panepinto referred to international humanitarian law, including the Hague Regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention, to highlight the obligations of an occupying power to ensure public order and protect civilians.
She also discussed how legal tools such as the Articles on the Responsibility of States for Internationally Wrongful Acts (ARSIWA) can be used to attribute acts of violence to the state, particularly in cases where state actors enable, support or fail to prevent such actions.
At the same time, the limitations of international law were acknowledged. In the discussion, Panepinto noted that while legal frameworks provide important language and tools, enforcement remains weak and often dependent on political will.
Historical context and contemporary dynamics
The presentation situated current developments within a longer historical trajectory, emphasising that settler violence is not a recent phenomenon but part of an ongoing process linked to settlement expansion and territorial control.
Panepinto also highlighted how violence and displacement affect everyday life, including economic livelihoods and access to land, particularly for Palestinian communities dependent on agriculture.
Engaged discussion and open questions
The Q&A session reflected the audience’s strong engagement, with questions ranging from historical perspectives and legal interpretation to the role of third states and the future of international law.
Participants also raised broader concerns about the effectiveness of international legal mechanisms and the challenges of translating legal analysis into political action.
Continued relevance
The seminar formed part of a broader series of CMES events addressing current developments in the Middle East. As the discussion made clear, questions of law, accountability and political responsibility remain central to understanding ongoing dynamics in the region.
Thanks to Alice Panepinto for sharing her insights.
When: 2026-05-07
Location: CMES seminar room