Throughout human history, scholars, statesmen and military leaders have attempted to define what constitutes the legitimate use of armed force by one community against another. This volume brings together an internationally recognized team of scholars to explore the philosophical and societal foundations of just war tradition.

Contents: Introduction, Howard M. Hensel; Part I Perspectives on Just War Doctrine, International Relations, and Armed Conflict: Theocentric natural law and just war doctrine, Howard M. Hensel; Anthropocentric natural law and its implications for international relations and armed conflict, Howard M. Hensel; The rejection of natural law and its implications for international relations and armed conflict, Howard M. Hensel. Part II International Law and the Customary Principles Underpinning the Law of Armed Conflict: Preemption and preventive war, Gregory A. Raymond and Charles W. Kegley Jr; The development of international humanitarian law and the continued relevance of custom, Jean-Marie Henckaerts; The Martens clause and military necessity, Mika Nishimura Hayashi; The principle of distinction: beyond an obligation of customary international humanitarian law, Jean-François Quéguiner; The principle of proportionality, A.P.V. Rogers; Hors de combat: post-September 11 challenges to the rules, Avril McDonald; Occupation responsibilities and constraints, Charles Garraway; Conclusion, Howard M. Hensel; Index.

'At a time when the potential triggers for military action seem to proliferate, it is imperative to take a serious critical look at the philosophical and legal perspectives that have shaped our understanding of the legitimacy of the resort to force, as well as of the nature of the constraints that govern its use. This collection of essays offers much needed analytical insights into these issues, insights that will enrich the debates among academic as well as policy making circles.' George Andreopoulos, City University of New York, USA ’With this invaluable edited collection of essays Howard Hensel adds to his reputation as a distinguished interpreter of just war thinking and international humanitarian law, and their application to current problems. For both specialist and practitioner this learned and comprehensive volume is of great help in clarifying the links between law, morality and war.’ Richard Falk, Princeton University and UCSB, USA '...Hensel makes the point that the main issue is to know to what extent international humanitarian law can influence the law of contemporary warfare. Even though the work is far from being exhaustive on the subject, it allows the reader to grasp the key issues.' Etudes Internationales