War and the Law of Nations
A General History

This 2005 volume is a history of war, from an international law perspective, from Roman times to the present.

Stephen C. Neff (Author)

9780521662055, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 4 August 2005

456 pages
23.6 x 16.1 x 4 cm, 0.88 kg

'[Neff's] latest book is a spirited and enlightening addition to this literature … The narrative, written with brio and wit, is a delt synthesis of a seemingly vast array of state practice and scholarly doctrine stretching over many centuries. Of particular interest, originality and value is Neff's treatment of 'imperfect wars' or 'measures short of war' … spirited and sparkling book, which thoroughly deserved its Honourable Mention in the 2007 American Society of International law book prizes.' Cambridge Law Journal

This ambitious 2005 volume is a history of war, from the standpoint of international law, from the beginning of history to the present day. Its primary focus is on legal conceptions of war as such, rather than on the substantive or technical aspects of the law of war. It tells the story, in narrative form, of the interplay, through the centuries, between, on the one hand, legal ideas about war and, on the other hand, state practice in warfare. Its coverage includes reprisals, civil wars, UN enforcement and the war on terrorism. This book will interest historians, students of international relations and international lawyers.

Table of cases
Table of treaties
Abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. War as Law Enforcement (to 1600): 1. Ares and Athena
2. Loving enemies and hating sin
Part II. New Forces Stirring (1600–1815): 3. War in due form
4. Dissension in the ranks
Part III. War as State Policy (1815–1919): 5. Collisions of naked interest
6. Tame and half-hearted war: intervention, reprisal and necessity
7. Civil strife
Part IV. Just Wars Reborn (1919– ): 8. Regulating war
9. A farewell to war?
10. New fields of battle
Conclusion
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Public international law [LBB], History: specific events & topics [HBT]