Violence and Law in the Modern Age - Hardcover

Cassese, Antonio

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0691077835 ISBN 13: 9780691077833

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 1988

Synopsis

This remarkable and thoughtful book examines some of the most shattering events in recent history, from the annihilation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to mass murder in Sabra and Shatila, from the hijacking of the "Achille Lauro" to torture and murder by officials of the state. In each case Cassese tries to understand why states--Nietzsche's "cold-hearted monsters"--acted as they did, and what this bodes for the future.

Cassese also raises questions of a more general legal and political kind: why do states use force with impunity? Is the first use of nuclear weapons prohibited by international law? Should one obey superior orders and perform a criminal act, as Abraham was prepared to do, or should one respect the moral laws of one's people, as Antigone did?

The picture of world events presented here is vivid, and Cassese's analysis is clear and provocative. This is a book not only for students of politics, law, and international affairs, but also for general readers who wish to observe the actions of the state with as much objectivity as possible.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"This book is a very successful venture in charting a middle path in legal analysis between skepticism and uncritical legalism. Cassese is independent-minded, possesses a fine command over the technical side of international law, and deals with exceedingly interesting substantive matters."--Richard Falk, Princeton University

Language Notes:

Text: English, Italian (translation)

About this edition

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0691077835
• ISBN 13: 9780691077833
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 200