Compliance with the Laws of War: Dataset and Coding Rules

This report describes a dataset on compliance with the laws of war in 20th century interstate wars. We introduce the dataset, discuss sources, and explain the coding schemes. The unit is a directed warring dyad in a given war for one of nine issues. We collect five dimensions of compliance, including quality of the data, and construct a single measure of compliance. Reciprocity exists in the data, and treaty law strengthens reciprocity by clarifying what acts constitute violations. Compliance varies across issues, matching the scope for individual violations. States are more likely to respond reciprocally to violations by individuals than to those that are state policy.