Description
The world is a wonderful, but dangerous place. There are any number of threats to peace and security, ranging from new forms of terrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction to environmental degradation, famine and disease. Defending the West matters to everyone, regardless of colour, creed, or nationality. It matters to those who are seeking to destroy it as much as it does to those seeking to protect it. Defence of the West requires pre-emptive action, but it cannot be undertaken on a unilateral basis and outside the law. Instead of outlawing pre-emptive action, we must acknowledge that it is necessary and ensure that it can be taken in a framework of partnership and legitimacy.
About the Author
James Gow is Professor of International Peace and Security at King's College, London.
Reviews
'If, as I believe, there is no more important task in international relations in the 21st century than re-joining the imperatives of strategy with the legitimating structures of law, then Defending the West is a very important work indeed. Rich and accessible, it charts the way forward.'
-- Philip Bobbitt, A.W. Walker Centennial Chair in Law
'A provocative case for extending the concept of self-defence in international relations to include pre-emptive armed action. Based on a reasoned argument about the changed global security situation, it deserves attention even those who are sceptical of Western military action.'
-- Martin Shaw, University of Sussex
Book Information
ISBN 9780745632353
Author James Gow
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 299g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 15mm
