Brutality in an Age of Human Rights: Activism and Counterinsurgency at the End of the British Empire

Brian Drohan's book "Brutality in an Age of Human Rights" explores how human rights activists influenced British officials' choices in counterinsurgency methods, particularly in Cyprus, Aden, and Northern Ireland. He argues that officials sought to evade, discredit, and deflect criticism to avoid attention to brutal practices. The book discusses critical issues related to violence against civilians, the balance between human rights and brutal methods, and the media's impact on wars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2018
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In his groundbreaking book, "Brutality in an Age of Human Rights," Brian Drohan delves into the profound influence that human rights activists have had on the choices made by British officials in their counterinsurgency strategies. Through a meticulous examination of three British counterinsurgency campaigns—Cyprus (1955-1959), Aden (1963-1967), and the peak of the Troubles in Northern Ireland (1969-1976)—Drohan sheds light on how this influence manifested itself in military policies and practices. By utilizing a newly available collection of 1.2 million colonial-era files, International Committee of the Red Cross files, the extensive Troubles collection at Linen Hall Library in Belfast, and numerous other sources, Drohan crafts a rich and comprehensive narrative.

In his book, Drohan argues that when confronted with human rights activism, British officials sought to evade, discredit, and deflect public criticism of their actions to avoid drawing attention to the use of brutal counterinsurgency practices, such as torture during interrogation. Some of the critical topics explored in the book include the use of violence against civilians, the complex interplay between the desire to uphold human rights values and the employment of brutal methods, and the unique challenges posed by wars waged in the media spotlight.

"Brutality in an Age of Human Rights" is a seminal work that holds immense relevance for scholars, lawyers, and government officials engaged in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those that may arise in the future. By shedding light on the historical context and the ethical dilemmas faced by British officials in their counterinsurgency efforts, the book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of warfare and the interplay between human rights and military operations. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights in all aspects of conflict resolution.

In conclusion, "Brutality in an Age of Human Rights" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex relationship between human rights, military power, and counterinsurgency strategies. Through his meticulous research and insightful analysis, Brian Drohan has contributed to our understanding of this critical issue and has helped us to grapple with the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of security and stability.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 164 x 236 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501714658