From Research to Solution: Rationale For Creating an Innovative Software Application For Studying International Humanitarian Law

Abstract

The full-scale armed conflict in Ukraine has created an unprecedented and urgent demand for legal literacy among combatants and the civilian population. Ensuring that cadets, active-duty military personnel, and humanitarian workers are proficient in International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is not merely an academic or ethical requirement but a strategic necessity for the prevention of war crimes and the preservation of human dignity in high-intensity conflict zones. However, traditional pedagogical models – largely reliant on stable infrastructure, classroom environments, and consistent internet access – are frequently rendered ineffective by the logistical realities of active combat and martial law. This article details a collaborative initiative between the Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University and the Swedish Institute to bridge this educational gap through the development of a specialized mobile application. The primary goal of this research is to establish a technical and pedagogical rationale for an mLearning (mobile learning) platform designed specifically for high-stakes legal training in environments characterized by intermittent connectivity and high cognitive load. The research is guided by the hypothesis that a modular, offline-capable digital solution – integrated with interactive scenarios and gamified progress tracking – will yield significantly higher engagement and knowledge retention rates than existing internet-dependent resources. To test this, the authors employed a multi-stage methodology consisting of a comparative analysis of existing IHL digital tools (such as the ICRC’s IHL app and Geneva Call’s “War Has Rules”), a technical audit of software architecture requirements for offline data persistence using SQLite, and a pedagogical review of “human-focused design” principles. The main findings indicate that while exhaustive legal databases exist, they often lack the interactive “mission-mode” logic required to translate abstract treaty norms into operational decision-making. The proposed application addresses this by utilizing a DASHBOARD system and localized storage, ensuring that the Geneva Conventions and relevant military instructions – such as Ministry of Defense Order No. 164 – remain accessible even in “airplane mode” or regions with compromised telecommunications. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the transition from standardized web-based content to a tailored, mobile-first solution is essential for modern security sector education. By incorporating gamification elements – such as badges, points, and story-driven challenges – the application transforms passive reading into active problem-solving. This approach not only supports the professional development of military personnel but also serves as a vital digital safeguard for international justice mechanisms during active hostilities.