Humanitarian Intervention - (Procedural Aspects of International Law) by Sean D Murphy (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Over the centuries, societies have gradually developed constraints on the use of armed force in the conduct of foreign relations. The crowning achievement of these efforts occurred in the midtwentieth century with the general acceptance among the states of the world that the use of military force for territorial expansion was unacceptable. A central challenge for the twenty-first century rests in reconciling these constraints with the increasing desire to protect innocent persons from human rights deprivations that often take place during civil war or result from persecution by autocratic governments. Humanitarian Intervention is a detailed look at the historical development of constraints on the use of force and at incidents of humanitarian intervention prior to, during, and after the Cold War.

Review Quotes

"A remarkably trenchant and well written legal analysis of humanitarian military intervention, following the evolution of international law and its present day ramifications in situations such as Iraq's aggression toward Kuwait and Rwanda's internal conflicts. U.S. State Department attorney Murphy clearly highlights the theoretical, legal, and moral implications of intervention policy, reaching into the history of legal traditions to arrive at an understanding of the present United Nations charter governing international intervention policies."-- "Book News"

"A welcome contribution. . . . Murphy has done a credible job of integrating the theoretical and policy-oriented facets of a very complex problem."-- "American Society of International Law"

"Murphy's excellent book explores in a most thorough way the many legal, political, and moral implications of efforts by the international community to terminate by humanitarian intervention a situation in a country that shocks the conscience of mankind."-- "Louis B. Sohn, George Washington University"

"This is a scholarly work of exceptional quality. Without doubt, Sean Murphy has written the best book on humanitarian intervention. It is comprehensive, balanced, and alive to nuance and complexity, providing an invaluable guide both to recent UN peacekeeping efforts and to the evolving role of international law with respect to the use of force. Ideal for both the use in courses and specialists."-- "Richard Falk, Center for International Studies, Princeton University"

"This well-researched book is useful for professionals and students alike."-- "Choice"