Khalil Dewan

Khalil Dewan is a dedicated researcher and practitioner with a strong focus on international law and human rights. 

Currently pursuing a PhD in Law at SOAS University of London, he is also a Member of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (IALS), SOAS Centre for Human Rights Law, and the Centre for the Study of Colonialism, Empire and International Law. 

Khalil's research primarily centers around the intersection of UK counter-terrorism practices, drone targeted killings, and international law. His work incorporates critical legal theories and the socio-legal method, with a particular emphasis on lived experiences. Khalil's academic journey includes the successful completion of an LL.M in International Law with merit at SOAS. 

His master's dissertation delved deeply into the US drone targeted killing policy, showcasing his early expertise in this complex area of law. Throughout his career, Khalil has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional engagement, providing advisory services on International Humanitarian Law (IHL), International Human Rights Law (IHRL), and Islamic Law. 

Khalil's contributions to organizations such as NATO's Counter Improvised Explosive Device's Centre of Excellence (C-IED COE), US Military Commission Trials, and Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) highlight his expertise and practical involvement in legal matters of global significance. Khalil's dedication extends beyond academic and advisory work, as evidenced by his extensive fieldwork on drone warfare in conflict zones such as Syria (2015), Somalia (2019), and Mali (2021). 

His interviews with key personnel such as US Air Force and British Royal Air Force drone pilots, intelligence officers, and technical sergeants have significantly enriched his understanding of drone technology. Khalil is an advocate of victim-centered research and has engaged in the same across several conflict zones. Furthermore, Khalil has published over 40 opinion articles, reports, analysis pieces, and research works covered by the Reuters, Associated Press, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. He has also provided expert commentary on BBC News, TRT World, and Al Jazeera, further solidifying his impactful contributions to the field of international law.

• Drones and International Law by Rebecca Mignot-Mahdavi (2023), Journal of Conflict and Security Law
• The Inside Story of Britain’s Drone Wars, (2022), Journal of Conflict and Security Law
• Whistle-blowing for Change: Exposing Systems of Power and Injustice (2022)
• France’s Shadow War in Mali: Airstrikes at the Bounti Wedding, (2021) Stoke White Investigations
• We Heard It Coming: US Lethal Operations in Somalia, (2019) TRT World Research Centre, Special Investigation

His research interests are focused on the intersection of international law, human rights, and security. He is particularly interested in delving into the complexities of International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL), especially in the context of contemporary conflict, counter-terrorism and/or security operations. Additionally, the concept of "lawfare" and its implications for the protection of human rights during and beyond armed conflict theaters intrigues him. 

Furthermore, he is drawn to the critical perspectives offered by Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL), which provide valuable insights into the relationships between power, inequality, and international legal structures. Moreover, he is keen to explore the socio-legal considerations surrounding targeted killings, lived experiences and drone warfare, seeking to understand their implications for human rights and global security. Through his research, he aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances within international law, with a focus on the emerging theory of the individualization of warfare.