War Crimes: Law, Politics, & Armed Conflict in the Modern World

This book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the problem of war crimes in modern history, tracing the development of laws aimed at regulating the conduct of armed conflict from the 19th century to the present. It explores the origins and significance of key international legal instruments, such as the Hague conventions and the Genocide Convention, and highlights the acceleration of war crimes investigations and trials in the 1970s and 2000s.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive and accessible book delves into the intricate realm of war crimes in modern history, highlighting the evolution of laws designed to govern the conduct of armed conflicts from the 19th century to the present. By drawing upon a wealth of recent research in history, political science, and law, the book provides a comprehensive overview of the historical attempts to regulate the initiation, conduct, and consequences of war. It begins by exploring the pre-modern world's efforts to establish guidelines for warfare, encompassing the development of codes and laws aimed at distinguishing between legal and criminal behavior in times of conflict.

The legal revolution of the 19th century emerges as a pivotal chapter, marked by the emergence of the first formal codes and laws that sought to delineate between legitimate and criminal conduct in war. This era coincided with a global proliferation of colonial wars, necessitating the establishment of legal frameworks to govern these conflicts. The book further examines failed but influential attempts to refine the laws of war in the post-World War I period, including the Hague Conventions and the Nuremberg and Tokyo trials. These landmark events laid the foundation for international law regarding war crimes and set a precedent for holding individuals accountable for their actions during armed conflicts.

In addition to examining the historical developments, the book also explores the origins and debated significance of the Genocide Convention of 1948 and the 1949 Geneva Conventions. It sheds light on the global acceleration of war crimes investigations and trials from the 1970s to the 2000s, reflecting the growing international commitment to combatting these heinous crimes. The book also summarizes current thinking about international law and the rapidly changing nature of warfare worldwide, as well as the memorialization of war crimes.

To enhance the reader's understanding, the book is supplemented with images, documents, a comprehensive bibliography, a chronology, a "whos who" section, and a glossary. These features provide valuable insights and resources for those seeking to delve deeper into the complex field of war crimes history and its political dimensions. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply interested in understanding the complexities of war and its impact on human society, this book serves as an invaluable introduction.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367632922