eli5 How does the Geneva convention work? How can it be enforced if nations are already at war? What incentive do armies have for following it?

Question

I mean there are no referees on the battlefield.

In: 3

Answer 1

If you don’t follow the conventions, then the other side has no reason too either, thus further endangering your own troops.

As an example, let’s say you and someone else agreed to settle your differences with a fistfight, and you both agree not to use sticks and rocks. So you get cocky and decide you’ll sneak a rock in your pocket and hit him with the rock. So now that you’ve done that, he picks up a rock and hits you with it too. Also, the next time you are in a fight with anyone, they know you don’t fight by the rules, so they bring plenty of rocks.