Hi my name is Ryan,

I am not a lawyer and I need help with a research paper for my Masters in Space Sciences.

My current course has to do with ballistic missile defense.

The paper is focusing on two parts. The first has to do with chains of command between NATO, countries of NATO, and the American Military specifically EUCOM and who can actually give an order to shoot down a missile posing a threat to Europe.

The second has to do with a nation's right to self defense which is where I need the research help. I am not trying to right a legal paper I am just trying to find international law that justifies a countries right to defend itself in foreign territory.

For example, if Iran fires a nuclear missile at Norway does Norway have the right to destroy the missile over Russia. Taking into consideration it is easier to destroy a missile in boost phase and midcourse than in its terminal phase and corelating that with a time decision space which is extremely limited and would not allow for consultation with other countries.

I am not in the military so any special lingo will fly over me. Most of the course has to do with lunar geology, galaxies, asteriods and space structures, but this is a required course and I am at a loss.

It is easy to see the complexities this paper presents and I am sure there are volumes of law in regards to this.

I am looking for an easy referenced internationally accepted definition of a nations right to defend itself which may fit the above scenario.

thanks for your time,

Ryan