The Use of Force and International Law offers an authoritative overview of international law governing the resort to force.
Looking through the prism of the contemporary challenges that this area of international law faces, including technology, sovereignty, actors, compliance and enforcement, this book addresses key aspects of international law in this area: the general breadth and scope of the prohibition of force, what is meant by 'force', the use of force through the UN and regional organisations, the use of force in peacekeeping operations, the right of self-defence and the customary limitations upon this right, forcible intervention in civil conflicts, and the controversial doctrine of humanitarian intervention.
Suitable for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students, academics and practitioners, The Use of Force and International Law offers a contemporary, comprehensive and accessible treatment of the subject.
About the Author
Christian Henderson is Professor of International Law at Sussex Law School. He is also co-editor-in-chief of the Journal on the Use of Force and International Law and is a member of the International Law Association's Committee on the Use of Force.
Industry Reviews
'The book is an excellent example of the 'positivist-objectivist' approach to interpreting the international law on the use of force. The result is a comprehensive and even-handed treatment of the many complex arguments on the urgent issue of our time, the legality of resort to military force.' Mary Ellen O'Connell, University of Notre Dame, Indiana
'As Professor of International Law at the University of Sussex and co-editor-in-chief of the Journal on the Use of Force and International Law, Christian Henderson comes from a position of exceptional expertise to explore the framework for the use of force by states. On the one hand, a state is forbidden from utilizing force against foreign states in an aggressive manner; but on the other, a sovereign entity is entitled to defend itself. Overarching this is the moral obligation to protect civilians and jus cogens norms. In light of this complexity, Henderson's practical exploration of the international law governing the resort to force provides an enlightening and practical perspective on the topic ... Overall, I would recommend this book.' Kathryn Allinson, Leiden Journal of International Law
'Henderson's book presents the competing views on many of these issues in a thoughtful, balanced, and scholarly manner, which makes the book highly suitable for use in teaching an advanced level course. As a whole, this is a deeply researched, comprehensive, and erudite contribution to the literature on the law governing recourse to force.' Allen S. Weiner, The American Society of International Law
'Henderson's book offers a comprehensive, pragmatic, thoroughly argued, and helpful access to the world of the ius contra bellum, precisely identifying and squarely addressing undeniable problems that rules governing the use of force face ... It will thus equip international lawyers at any level to critically engage with the use of force in international relations, to take upon future challenges and refine the law from a solid basis, and to defend it against death threats.' Benjamin K. Nussberger, Journal of Conflict & Security Law
'The Use of Force and International Law is a book that offers significant coverage of the topic without falling into the trap of being overly dense, meeting its primary goal of acting as an introduction for those who are new to the subject while also providing analysis at a level that will inform the work of established ad bellum scholars. It soon will be appearing on the reading lists for my students.' James A. Green, International and Comparative Law Quarterly
