Unbound in War?: International Law in Canada and Britain's Participation in the Korean War and Afghanistan

Sean Richmond's book Unbound in War? examines the influence and interpretation of international law in the use of force by Canada and Britain during the Korean War and the Afghanistan Conflict, arguing that international law can play four underappreciated roles when states use force. It promises to advance interdisciplinary debates and policy discussions in both IR and IL.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 06 August 2021
\n Publisher: University of Toronto Press
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In his book, "Unbound in War?," Sean Richmond delves into the intricate interplay between international law and the use of force by two significant yet understudied countries: Canada and Britain. Spanning two pivotal conflicts since 1945, namely the Korean War and the Afghanistan Conflict, Richmond employs a novel approach by integrating sociological theories of International Relations (IR) and International Law (IL). Through a rigorous qualitative analysis of declassified documents and extensive original interviews, he presents a two-pronged argument.

Firstly, Richmond challenges prevailing IR perspectives that suggest international law primarily serves as a constraint or a tool for enforcement. He argues that international law can assume four underappreciated roles when states employ force. It helps shape identity, govern behavior, provide legitimacy for specific actions, and facilitate the development of new rules. However, contrary to what some IL approaches suggest, it remains unclear whether these effects are solely attributable to the inherent obligatory nature of law. This groundbreaking argument holds the potential to ignite interdisciplinary debates and policy discussions in both IR and IL.

Richmond's exploration of Canada and Britain's experiences during these conflicts sheds light on the complex dynamics between international law and military actions. He examines how these countries navigated legal frameworks, assessed compliance with international obligations, and justified their use of force in the context of complex geopolitical challenges. By analyzing the interplay between legal principles, political considerations, and societal dynamics, Richmond offers valuable insights into the complex decision-making processes involved in employing military force.

Furthermore, "Unbound in War?" contributes to the broader discourse on the role of international law in contemporary warfare. It challenges the notion that international law is merely a static framework or a set of rules to be followed blindly. Instead, Richmond emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of international law, which responds to changing circumstances and evolving norms. He argues that international law can be a powerful tool for promoting peace, stability, and humanitarian objectives, but it requires a nuanced and flexible approach that takes into account the specific context and interests of each state.

In conclusion, "Unbound in War?" is a thought-provoking and groundbreaking book that sheds new light on the complex relationship between international law and the use of force. Through innovative scholarship and rigorous analysis, Sean Richmond challenges prevailing perspectives and offers a fresh perspective on the roles that international law can play in shaping the outcomes of conflicts. This book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of international relations and the legal dimensions of military actions.

\n Weight: 604g\n
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 29 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781487503468\n \n