Author Description

Product Description<br/><br/><br/>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'.<br/><br/><br/>Review<br/><br/><br/>"...a particularly subtle and reasoned interpretation of jus contra bellum established by the UN Charter. One could even say that this is the most rigorous and successful book to date about self-defence" -Olivier Corten, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgian Review of International Law<br/><br/>"As it stands, 'Armed Attack' and Article 51 of the UN Charter is a well written and carefully researched contribution which will become a bookshelf staple for academics working in the area." -Heather A. Harrison Dinniss, Swedish National Defence College, The Modern Law Review<br/><br/><br/>Book Description<br/><br/><br/>Tom Ruys examines to what extent the right of self-defence permits States to engage in military operations against State and non-State actors in light of the developments since 9/11 and the interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq. The occurrence of an 'armed attack' is a particular focus.<br/><br/><br/>About the Author<br/><br/><br/>Dr Tom Ruys is a lawyer with Stibbe, Brussels, and a senior membe