Preparing for War: The Making of the 1949 Geneva Conventions

The 1949 Geneva Conventions are the most important rules for armed conflict ever formulated, but their history is often misunderstood. This book shows how the final text of the Conventions was the outcome of a series of political struggles among the drafters and concerned a great deal more than simply recognizing the shortcomings of international law revealed by the experience of war. It outlines the concept of humanized war and established the legality of waging war itself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The 1949 Geneva Conventions stand as the most significant and influential set of rules governing armed conflict in history. These conventions continue to shape contemporary discussions on warfare regulation, despite often being misunderstood. For most observers, the drafters of these treaties were primarily driven by liberal humanitarian principles and the profound shock of the atrocities witnessed during the Second World War. However, this book presents a different narrative, revealing how the final text of the Conventions emerged as the result of complex political negotiations among the drafters. It goes beyond simply acknowledging the shortcomings of international law revealed by the war experience and delves into the broader political and ideological dimensions of the Conventions' drafters.

To understand the politics and ideas of the Conventions' drafters is to view them as active participants, rather than passive characters responding to past events. They sought to shape the future of warfare by determining who deserved protection and what constituted a legitimate target. Outlawing illegal conduct during wartime not only established the legality of waging war but also played a crucial role in defining the concept of humanized war.

Through extensive archival research and critical legal methodologies, Preparing for War establishes that, while the drafters of the Conventions did not actively seek war, they nevertheless prepared for it by creating a new legal safety net in case their worst fears materialized. This specter, still haunting us today, reflects the enduring impact of the Conventions on the regulation of armed conflict.

In conclusion, the 1949 Geneva Conventions are a testament to the power of international law to address the horrors of war and promote humanitarian principles. While their history may be complex, their significance and impact on contemporary warfare cannot be overstated. By examining the politics and ideas behind the Conventions' drafters, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics that shape the regulation of armed conflict and the ongoing efforts to prevent and mitigate the suffering of war.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 232 x 156 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198912613