What type of study is this?

This is a Literature Review study.

September 5, 2025Open Access

Mockingjay and the Civil War in Panem: A Perspective from International Humanitarian Law

Key Points

Mockingjay presents a fictional civil war that raises questions about humanitarian protections in armed conflict, reflecting real challenges in IHL.
The analysis highlights how norms of IHL apply even in fictional settings, aiming to protect civilians during warfare and regulate combat methods.
Emphasis on the conflict's portrayal illustrates the struggle against an authoritarian regime, pointing to the limits of IHL in real and fictional contexts.
This exploration underlines the necessity of understanding violence limits and humanity principles within the framework of armed conflict law.

Abstract

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) regulates non-international armed conflicts like civil wars. A fictional example of this type of conflict is in Mockingjay (parts 1 and 2), set in Panem, a world created by Suzanne Collins. In this story, the civilian population rises against the authoritarian regime of the Capitol, triggering a civil war that culminates in the government's downfall and the establishment of a democracy. This paper analyzes various situations represented in Mockingjay in the light of International Humanitarian Law, identifying their connections with norms that seek to protect people in armed conflict and regulate the means and methods of combat. From this analysis, the article reflects on the applicability and challenges of IHL even in fictional scenarios, highlighting its relevance for understanding the limits of violence and the protection of the principle of humanity.

Read Full Paperexternally

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay

View Full Paper