Verdebout Rewriting Histories of the Use of Force

The Narrative of ‘Indifference'
Erscheinungsjahr 2021
ISBN: 978-1-108-95233-0
Verlag: Cambridge University Press
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: Adobe DRM (»Systemvoraussetzungen)

E-Book, Englisch, Band 160

Reihe: Cambridge Studies in International and Comparative Law

It is commonly taught that the prohibition of the use of force is an achievement of the twentieth century and that beforehand States were free to resort to the arms as they pleased. International law, the story goes, was 'indifferent' to the use of force. 'Reality' as it stems from historical sources, however, appears much more complex. Using tools of history, sociology, anthropology and social psychology, this monograph offers new insights into the history of the prohibition of the use of force in international law. Conducting in-depth analysis of nineteenth century doctrine and State practice, it paves the way for an alternative narrative on the prohibition of force, and seeks to understand the origins of international law's traditional account. In so doing, it also provides a more general reflection on how the discipline writes, rewrites and chooses to remember its own history.

Autoren/Hrsg.

Verdebout, Agatha

Fachgebiete

• Rechtswissenschaften Internationales Recht und Europarecht Internationales Recht Internationales Öffentliches Recht, Völkerrecht, Internationale Organisationen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

General Introduction; I. The Use of Force in Nineteenth Century Doctrine: More than a Naturalist Fantasy: Introduction. Aim, Methodology and Outline; 1. The 'Use of Force' in the nineteenth century: some conceptual clarifications; 2. The use of force in writings of 'Naturalist' inclination; 3. The use of force in writings of 'Eclectic' inclination; 4. The use of force in writings of 'Positivistic' inclination; Conclusion. Some thoughts on the differences between past and present scholarship on the use of force; II. The Use of Force in Nineteenth Century Practice: Law Beyond Morals and Politics: Introduction. Aim, Methodology and Outline; 5. Justifying the use of force in the 'Centre'; 6. Justifying the use of force in the 'Semi-Peripheries'; 7. Justifying the use of force in the 'Peripheries'; Conclusion. Some thoughts on the differences between past and present practice of justifying force; III. The Narrative of Indifference in the Twentieth Century: Disciplinary Identity and Legitimacy: Introduction. Aim, Methodology and Outline; 8. Disciplinary beliefs about international law and the narrative of indifference: a mirror-effect; 9. The emergence of the narrative of indifference in the interwar: preserving identity by restoring credibility; Conclusion. Some thoughts on the persistence of the narrative of indifference in modern-day doctrine; General Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

Über Autor(innen)

Verdebout, Agatha
Agatha Verdebout holds a PhD in Public International Law from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Her main research interests lie in critical histories of international law and the use of force. She is the recipient of several prizes, awards and research grants, notably the 2017 Henri Rolin Prize.