War and the Law of Nations: A General History

by Stephen C. Neff

Tracing war as a legal concept from Roman times through to the twentieth century, Stephen Neff reveals its various roles as a law-enforcement operation, duel between states and a "crime against the peace." He also considers the post World War II definition of war as an international law-enforcement mechanism under U.N. auspices. Although unsuccessful, this attempt did help transform war into a humanitarian, rather than a policy problem. This book interests historians, students of international relations and international lawyers.

Genres: History, Law, Politics

456 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read this book for a university class but I actually loved it. It was very well written and informative in an engaging manner.

[Dr. Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can see it took me a great deal of time to travel from cover to cover, but it was time well spent!

A fabulous journey through the legal developments relating to the conduct of war. Starting with the earliest recorded considerations, through the tumultuous, yet ever-essential conflicts of the 19th century-- when law became more positivists as an international institution--on up to the present day including the advent of transnational armed conflict.

Neff has done an outstanding job, not only of documenting the trials and tribulations of law and international lawyers in their efforts to codify war, lessen its impact n the innocent, and enhance its search for humanitarian balance. One of the most important features of this book, is the style of writing. Neff ha taken what is a very complex topic and made it readily accessible to the general readership without previous formal legal training.

It is worthwhile noting that even though the text is very readable and accessible to all, there is a wide scope of far reaching documentation drawn from a vast pool if legal scholarship. Many of the concepts are well outlined and detailed by clear examples making them easy to grasp.

Most admirably, the author remains largely an objective scholar not allowing his own views or beliefs color his perception and presentation.

This is truly an outstanding book, which provides the reader with lots of valuable insights and information relating to the regulation of the laws and customs of war, but also a fabulous historical overview of the world in conflict. I've rarely come across an academic style text that is so lucid, erudite, easy to grasp, so well documented, so fascinating and so informative.

I recommend this title and urge you to consider it as well.

[Andrew Phaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written with clear and concise presentation and ample examples. Easy to follow for both historians or lawyers.

[Michal]

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