I think the language I used above is more deontological/universalizing than ideal. I agree it’s more of a gradient than anything else. I also think some of the biggest classical norms (“don’t shoot messengers/envoys”) while still important today, are less so in the age of wireless communication, mass media, and email. I also think my primary thesis address the benefits of having “war crime” norms, but norms in practice are about both benefits and costs, and some of your comment here address costs (which are of course also important).
I think the language I used above is more deontological/universalizing than ideal. I agree it’s more of a gradient than anything else. I also think some of the biggest classical norms (“don’t shoot messengers/envoys”) while still important today, are less so in the age of wireless communication, mass media, and email. I also think my primary thesis address the benefits of having “war crime” norms, but norms in practice are about both benefits and costs, and some of your comment here address costs (which are of course also important).