War Crimes, Genocide, and Justice: A Global History

by David M. Crowe

In this sweeping, definitive work, leading human rights scholar David M. Crowe offers an unflinching look at the long and troubled history of genocide and war crimes. From atrocities in the ancient world to more recent horrors in Nazi Germany, Cambodia, and Rwanda, Crowe reveals not only the disturbing consistency they have shown over time, but also the often heroic efforts that nations and individuals have made to break seemingly intractable patterns of violence and retribution—in particular, the struggle to create a universally accepted body of international humanitarian law. He traces the emergence of the idea of 'just war,' early laws of war, the first Geneva Conventions, the Hague peace conferences, and the efforts following World Wars I and II to bring to justice those who violated international law. He also provides incisive accounts of some of the darkest episodes in recent world history, covering violations of human rights law in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Cambodia, Guatemala, the Iran-Iraq war, Korea, Tibet, and many other contexts. With valuable insights into some of the most vexing issues of today—including controversial US efforts to bring alleged terrorists to justice at Guantánamo Bay, and the challenges facing the International Criminal Court—this is an essential work for understanding humankind's long and often troubled history.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Law

509 pages, Hardcover

First published December 10, 2013

Reviews

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a hefty book on such a serious subject, it was a surprisingly compelling read. An extensively-researched academic study, it covered the history of warfare and its attendant atrocities from the dawn of time til now, with its main focus on the development of international legal and judicial responses to war crimes and genocide from the end of World War Two to the present. Its geographical scope, from east to west, was thorough and fairly even-handed. There was, however, very little discussion of the global South, which I felt was a significant omission. On the whole, I felt it offered a depth of insight into some of the worst conduct of humankind, as well as the limited ways we have so far been able to restrain it, or offer justice after the fact. Having recently read Kofi Annan's autobiography, which gave some insight into the international diplomatic and political response to a similar range of issues, I found this a particularly interesting counterpart.

[Daniel Macgregor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read that goes over all the basics of international criminal law and war crimes right from the beginning to the present. Flies through the early years, but unpacks the modern period (mainly world war two) a lot more. Highly recommend for anyone interested in the topic.

[Fernando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book afirmed my thoughts about European biases towards other cultures.

[Mills College Library]

364.138 C9533 2014

[Dr.Peter]

Very graphic, interesting, too much genocide descriptions, tough read