Law of Armed Conflict: International Humanitarian Law in War

The Law of Armed Conflict, revised and updated, provides students with an introduction to the law of war in an age of terrorism, covering topics such as the application of LOAC/IHL, war crimes, lawful targets, rules of engagement, and the failure of the Guantánamo military commissions. It employs real-world examples and legal opinions from the US and abroad.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 850 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Law of Armed Conflict, a comprehensive and revised textbook, delves into the intricate realm of international law in the context of modern warfare, particularly focusing on the laws governing armed conflicts. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework that governs the conduct of war, both in traditional military settings and in the context of counterterrorism operations.

The book begins by introducing the fundamental principles of international law, including the principles of sovereignty, self-defense, and humanitarian law. It then explores the legal framework that applies to armed conflicts, including the laws of war, the Geneva Conventions, and the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions.

One of the key themes of the book is the question of whether terrorists are bound by the law of armed conflict. The author examines the legal arguments for and against the application of international humanitarian law to terrorists and concludes that, while there are challenges, it is possible to apply certain provisions of international humanitarian law to terrorists in certain circumstances.

The book also discusses the concept of war crimes and the legal consequences of committing them. It examines the definition of war crimes and the criteria for determining whether they have been committed, as well as the mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting war crimes.

Another important topic covered in the book is the rules of engagement, which govern the conduct of military forces in armed conflicts. The author discusses the principles that guide the formulation of rules of engagement and the role of international law in ensuring that they are fair, proportionate, and in compliance with international humanitarian law.

The book also explores the use of autonomous weapon systems, such as drones, in armed conflicts. It examines the legal challenges and ethical considerations associated with the use of autonomous weapons and the potential risks and benefits of their deployment.

Throughout the book, real-world examples and legal opinions from the US and abroad are employed to illustrate the application of international law in armed conflicts. These examples range from the Nuremberg trials after World War II to the US Supreme Court's decision in Hamdi v. Rumsfeld in the aftermath of 9/11.

The Law of Armed Conflict is an essential resource for students, scholars, and practitioners of international law, military affairs, and counterterrorism. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the legal framework that governs the conduct of war, and it offers valuable insights into the complex issues and challenges that arise in modern warfare.

Weight: 1390g
Dimension: 179 x 255 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108926935
Edition number: 3 Revised edition