Provides a multi-perspective study of the international law on self-defence against non-State actors.

This book examines the legality of the use of force by states against individuals and non-state groups located beyond its borders, in light of applicable international law. The issues discussed include force used in the 'war on terror', pre-emptive self defence, and targeted killings of individuals.

"This book is the product of the author's master's thesis, defended in 2019 at King's College, in the International Peace and Security programme of the Department of War Studies. [...] In light of the new contemporary threats to international peace and security and their impact on jus ad bellum rules, the author questions whether the Unable or Unwilling Doctrine(UoU), used as an argument for the use of force in the recent fight against the 'Islamic State' in Syria, has a legal basis in the context of self-defence against non-state actors. He then goes on to explore practical ways in which the doctrine's application can be improved. [...] In the King's College's Department of War Studies, the examiners described the author's thesis as an exceptional piece of scholarly work, absorbing from its first line and reported that the author demonstrates a striking comprehension of complex legal questions, in addition to providing coherent, insightful, and very sophisticated arguments. Professor Granzotto's clever, perceptive, and opportune master's thesis led to a rich and particularly persuasive book, which reflects the thoughts of a mature, though young scholar ___ for whom we must predict the continuity of a superb career. "

Yoram Dinstein's influential textbook is an indispensable guide to the legal issues of war and peace, armed attack, self-defence and enforcement measures taken under the aegis of the Security Council. This fifth edition incorporates recent treaties such as the Kampala amendments of the Statute of the International Criminal Court, new case law from the International Court of Justice and other tribunals, and contemporary doctrinal debates. Several new supplementary sections are also included, which take into account recent conflicts around the world, and consideration is given to new resolutions of the Security Council. With many segments having been rewritten to reflect recent State practice, this book remains a wide-ranging and highly readable introduction to the legal issues surrounding war and self-defence.

This book examines to what extent the right of self-defence, as laid down in Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, permits States to launch military operations against other States. In particular, it focuses on the occurrence of an 'armed attack' - the crucial trigger for the activation of this right. In light of the developments since 9/11, the author analyses relevant physical and verbal customary practice, ranging from the 1974 Definition of Aggression to recent incidents such as the 2001 US intervention in Afghanistan and the 2006 Israeli intervention in Lebanon. The notion of 'armed attack' is examined from a threefold perspective. What acts can be regarded as an 'armed attack'? When can an 'armed attack' be considered to take place? And from whom must an 'armed attack' emanate? By way of conclusion, the different findings are brought together in a draft 'Definition of Armed Attack'.

Newly revised, this textbook provides an authoritative conceptual and practical overview of international law governing the resort to force. Following an introductory chapter, with a section on the key issues in identifying the law and actual and potential changes to it, the book addresses the breadth and scope of the prohibition of the threat or use of force and the meaning of 'force' as the focus of this. The book proceeds to address the use of force through the United Nations and regional organisations, the use of force in peacekeeping operations, the right of self-defence and the customary limitations upon this right, the controversial right of humanitarian intervention, and forcible interventions in civil conflicts. Updated to include greater focus on aspects such as cyber operations, the threat of force, and the 'human element' to the use force, as well as the inclusion of recent developments such as the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, it seeks to address the contemporary legal framework through the prism of contemporary challenges that it currently faces.

Examines the difficulties in applying international law to recent armed conflicts known as 'new wars'.