An Introduction to the International Law of Armed Conflicts

This book provides a modern and basic introduction to a branch of international law constantly gaining in importance in international life, namely international humanitarian law (IHL), the law of armed conflict. It is constructed in a way that is suitable for self-study. Subject matters are discussed in self-contained chapters, allowing each to be studied independently of the others. Among the subjects discussed are, inter alia: the relationship between jus ad bellum / jus in bello • the historical evolution of IHL • the basic principles and sources of IHL • Martens Clause • international and non-international armed conflicts • material, spatial, personal, and temporal scope of the application of IHL • special agreements under IHL • the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross • targeting • objects specifically protected against attack • prohibited weapons • perfidy • reprisals • assistance of the wounded and sick • the definition of combatants • protection of prisoners of war • protection of civilians • occupied territories • protective emblems • sea warfare • neutrality • the implementation of IHL.