Brutality Is Not a Human Condition

In the interview with host François Picard on France 24's Spotlight, Spoljaric argued that war should not be equated with brutality: in her view, brutality and barbarity are not a human condition, even if war may be treated as one.

Her warning recalled the premise of the 1949 Geneva Conventions: even in war there can be no lawless space, and certain red lines must never be crossed.

Rules Protecting Civilians Under Strain

Spoljaric said the international rules established to protect civilians are being progressively weakened amid proliferating armed conflicts, technological change and the retreat of diplomacy. She cited an increasingly permissive interpretation of international humanitarian law across several theatres:

• •Gaza
• •Ukraine
• •Sudan
• •Yemen

She described attacks on civilian infrastructure, displacement of populations and human suffering used as an instrument of military strategy.

Drones, AI and Autonomous Weapons

Drones and artificial intelligence, presented as increasing military precision, have not delivered the promised protection for civilians, she said, and risk diminishing the possibility of escaping violence. She also raised legal and ethical questions about the prospect of autonomous weapons targeting human beings.

A Call to Citizens and Governments

Spoljaric said diplomacy has taken a back seat to might makes right as conflicts cross borders and humanitarian needs overwhelm available resources. Humanitarian assistance cannot substitute for the prevention of war, and civilian protection cannot depend on goodwill alone, she argued.

Turning to individuals, she said responsibility belongs to governments and citizens alike.

She warned that wars are coming to people's doorsteps much faster than in previous years, and urged citizens to press their governments to prioritise the rules of war.