Topics as diverse as the evolving spectrum of conflict, innovations in weaponry, automated and autonomous attack, the depersonalisation of warfare, detention operations, the influence of modern media and the application of human rights law to the conduct of hostilities are examined in this book to see to what extent existing legal norms are challenged. The book takes each topic in turn, explains relevant provisions of contemporary law and analyses exactly where the legal problem lies. The analysis then develops the theme, examining for example the implications of current rules as to deception operations for certain applications of cyber warfare. The text is written in an accessible style, and demonstrates the continuing relevance of established rules and the importance of compliance with them. Useful for academics, military, governments, ministries of defence, ministries of foreign affairs, libraries, diplomats, think tanks, policy units, NGOs, and all others with an interest in law of armed conflict issues such as journalists and students.
In this, the second decade of the 21st Century, the law relating to conflict is confronted by a number of challenges this book seeks to identify and to discuss. Topics as diverse as the evolving spectrum of conflict, innovations in weaponry, automated and autonomous attack, the depersonalisation of warfare, detention operations, the influence of modern media and the application of human rights law to the conduct of hostilities are examined to see to what extent existing legal norms are under attack. The book takes each topic in turn, explains relevant provisions of contemporary law and analyses exactly where the legal problem lies. The analysis then develops the theme, examining for example the implications of current rules as to deception operations for certain applications of cyber warfare.
The book, written in an accessible style, demonstrates the continuing relevance of established rules and the importance of compliance with them. It is a valuable tool for further discussion and research involving academics, military lawyers and commanders, governments, ministries of defence and foreign affairs, libraries, diplomats, think tanks, policy units, NGOs, journalists, students and all others with an interest in law of armed conflict issues.
Dr William H. Boothby is the Former Deputy Director of Legal Services, Royal Air Force, United Kingdom.
From the book reviews:
"Boothby writes in an engaging and accessible style, providing a rigorous, scholarly analysis of the issues, while still presenting the material in a clear and comprehensible manner - for those among us who may not understand the technical minutiae of autonomous weaponry or cyber warfare. ? Boothby has provided us with a dynamic and engaging text that seeks to highlight some of the key issues that will no doubt form the basis of much debate for decades to come." (Emily Crawford, British Yearbook of International Law, Vol. 84, January, 2015)
