Crimes of War: What the Public Should Know

by Roy Gutman (Editor), David Rieff (Editor)

We see and read about brutal and seemingly senseless warfare in the news every day --Rwanda, Bosnia, Chechnya, to name a few. This A-to-Z guidebook reveals --through case studies, definitions of key terms, and explanations of what's legal and what's not --what the public needs to know about war and the law. Laws of war exist. They define and categorize those acts of signal cruelty and murder that are universally known as war crimes. The laws of war have never been more developed, yet never before have so many innocent civilians been the victims of war crimes. It is clear that the laws are not being adhered to, nor have these laws been brought to light for the public or the journalists reporting on conflicts. Crimes of War is a timely and important book, especially in light of the recent creation of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal to try war criminals in Rwanda and Bosnia and the development of a permanent International Criminal Court. Authors Sidney Schanberg and Peter Maass, reporters Tom Gjelton from NPR and Roger Cohen from the New York Times, and photojournalists Gilles Peress and Susan Meiselas, along with many other award-winning writers and photographers, have contributed to this powerful book. The 145 entries define terms from Armistice to Wanton Destruction as well as give case studies of recent and ongoing conflicts.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, War, Reference, International, Collections

399 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Journalist and author. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for international reporting, the George Polk Award for foreign reporting, the Selden Ring Award for investigative reporting, and a special Human Rights in Media Award from the International League for Human Rights.

Reviews

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for media, international affairs, military and humanitarian professionals to understand the complexities of what is exactly a war crime.

[Bryan Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This joint effort of lawyers and journalists provides perhaps the most complete introduction to international humanitarian law to be found in a single volume. Divided by topic and organized alphabetically, this collection of essays is designed to acquaint the general public with the particulars of the laws of war as well of the practicalities surrounding their enforcement – or often lack of same. And though on occasion it might have been nice to have a little more law in the journalists’ essays and a little more humanity in some of the legal analysis, for the most part the contributors do an admirable job explaining not only the rules that should govern conduct during armed conflict but also the real, personalized need for the world to turn a little kinder.

[Maddie Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of the most educational books I have ever read. Before reading, I was worried it would have a lot legal jargon in it, but everything is alphabetized and explained in terms that the average person (not familiar with international law) could understand. It should be pretty obvious by the title that there is some pretty dark content in this book; there are definitely graphic images that accompany many of the gruesome descriptions and stories in this collection. However, if you're the type of person who can stomach reading about heavy topics, I would definitely recommend reading Crimes of War .

[Aldean · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it is a terribly-worn cliché to call something "an indispensible guide," but this book is truly an indispensible guide for those interested in human rights and the violance that has been and is continually perpetrated against those right throughout the world by governments large and small. Laid out it handy reference format, the excellently-written (and often chillingly-illustrated) articles cover an extensive selection of terms that are unfortuantely all-too-familiar to those paying attention to world events.

[Aparna · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent, thorough A-Z reference guide on international humanitarian law. This book contains sections on overarching key principles, definitions, and many examples of atrocities throughout history. Also very readable for those new to researching this area of law.

[Messybuku · Rating 5 out of 5]

War doesn’t just destroy cities — it destroys rules. This book reminds us why the rules matter.

Crimes of War is not a light read, but it’s a necessary one.
It breaks down complex ideas — war crimes, international law, humanitarian principles — in a way that’s accessible without watering down the horror.

The essays and case studies span real-world atrocities and legal frameworks, helping you understand not just what happened, but why it was wrong — and how the world failed (or tried) to respond.

It’s part journalism, part education, part moral reckoning.
If you care about justice, conflict, or simply being an informed citizen, this is a book that challenges you to look at war with open, unflinching eyes.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book realy opened my eyes to some of the atrocities across the globe. This book gives a good record of war crimes and violations of International Humanitarian Law. The book is laid out from A-Z with Apartheid, Collective Punishment, Ethnic Cleansing, Indiscriminate Attack, Reprisal Killings, and Wanton Dustruction just to name of few of the wonderfull things mankind has done to each other. The Arab-Israeli War, Bosnia, Cambodia, El Salvador, Liberia, Rwanda and others all get covered. Lastly there are some Pulitzer Prize worthy photos to accompany many of the topics.

[Tomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive book about the crime of war, the definition of each category and the real cases as the example, to help journalists, humanitarian workers and other 'front liners' to identify any crime of wars as soon as possible, as this kind of criminal acts are politically motivated, well funded and hence the evidences as well as the witnesses are usually wiped out at once.

I help translating and editing the Indonesian version of this book, funded by European Union.

[Chadijah Mastura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book dry and too informative, not an easy bit to digest. Don´t take me wrong, maybe this is an important book but I don´t like the style. I think there are ways to present heavy materials into an easy-to-read book. But I had helped translating some parts of this book into the Indonesian version, though. Heheh.

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good for an overview, though at times dry, though that's to be expected.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent compilation and very informative. Everyone should familiarize themselves with the topics in this book.

[Ryumi · Rating 5 out of 5]

buku pinjem dari Mbak Gun, anak Kriminologi UI 2005.
Kerusuhan, perang, pembunuhan massal, senjata kimia, senjata biologi, semuanya ada disini. URUT ABJAD!!

[AnnaLee Zenkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most eye opening books I have ever read and it led me to read a lot more, especially regarding sex crimes and crimes against women.