International Law and the Use of Force: 4th Edition (Foundations of Public International Law) - Softcover

Gray, Christine

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198808429 ISBN 13: 9780198808428

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2018

Synopsis

This book explores the large and controversial subject of the use of force in international law. It examines not only the use of force by states but also the role of the UN in peacekeeping and enforcement action, and the increasing role of regional organizations in the maintenance of international peace and security.

The UN Charter framework is under challenge. Russia's invasion of Georgia and intervention in Ukraine, the USA's military operations in Syria, and Saudi Arabia's campaign to restore the government of Yemen by force all raise questions about the law on intervention. The 'war on terror' that began after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the USA has not been won. It has spread far beyond Afghanistan: it has led to targeted killings in Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen, and to intervention against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Is there an expanding right of self-defence against non-state actors? Is the use of force effective? The development of nuclear weapons by North Korea has reignited discussion about the legality of pre-emptive self-defence. The NATO-led operation in Libya increased hopes for the implementation of 'responsibility to protect', but it also provoked criticism for exceeding the Security Council's authorization of force because its outcome was regime change. UN peacekeeping faces new challenges, especially with regard to the protection of civilians, and UN forces have been given revolutionary mandates in several African states. But the 2015 report Uniting Our Strengths reaffirmed that UN peacekeeping is not suited to counter-terrorism or enforcement operations; the UN should turn to regional organizations such as the African Union as first responders in situations of ongoing armed conflict.

About this title

Review:

Review from previous edition The detailed arguments and broad conclusions draw[n] stand fair and square. (Royal United Services Institute Journal)

... the book's appearance at this critical moment for the law regulating the use of force is most welcome, especially for students ... a helpful reference. (Mary Ellen O'Connell, The American Journal of International Law)

Comprehensive, easy to read, up-to-date, and informed. (Ilias Bantekas)

This book provides students of international law and international relations with a highly accessible, thoroughly expert analysis of the rules governing when states may resort to military force. I would not want to teach without it. (Michael Byers)

About the Author:

Christine Gray is Professor in International Law at the University of Cambridge and Fellow of St John's College, Cambridge

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0198808429
• ISBN 13: 9780198808428
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 512