This clear and concise textbook provides an accessible and up-to-date examination of international humanitarian law. With the aid of detailed examples, extracts from relevant cases, and useful discussion questions, students are expertly guided through the text. A recommended reading list is included in every chapter to support deeper engagement with the material. Emerging trends in theory and practice are also explored, allowing readers to build on their knowledge and grapple with some of the biggest challenges facing the law of armed conflict in the twenty-first century.

Public international law is a global legal system which regulates the conduct of countries and other actors. Public International Law offers Australian students a comprehensive and accessible introduction to international law. Covering the fundamental topics of international law – including treaties, use of force and dispute settlement – this text also discusses specialised branches such as humanitarian law, criminal law and environmental law. The key principles and theories of international law are clearly explained and analysed, and their application is illustrated by succinct, carefully chosen extracts from cases and materials. These sources strike a balance between key international cases and important cases from domestic legal systems. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter encourage students to apply and test their understanding of each topic, while a glossary of key terms clearly explains complex concepts. Written by an expert author team, Public International Law is a fundamental resource for Australian students of international law.

This monograph examines and analyses the phenomenon of non-binding instruments (also known as 'soft law') in the law of armed conflict, or international humanitarian law. In the past 30 years, there have been several non-binding instruments created, designed as either 'best practice' guidelines, or (re)statements of applicable law. These instruments are not treaties, but they nevertheless put themselves forward as authoritative statements of what the law is and, in some instances, what the law should be. Soft law instruments can be dynamic, prompt, and responsive measures to address pressing issues in armed conflicts. By drawing on the skill of a small group of experts, these instruments can be debated and drafted in a timelier manner than if these issues were to be left to the international community of 194 States to resolve. Furthermore, because these instruments do not have to be sent for debate to an international conference of States, it means that the provisions are not subject to the usual revisions, reservations, and dilutions that come with attempting to reach consensus. However, there are potential and actual problems with these instruments and the processes that bring them to fruition, and how they are received in practice by States and other stakeholders. This volume looks at the benefits and drawbacks for States and non-State actors with regards to soft law, whether they are effective additions to the law of armed conflict, analysing the development through the lens of theories of legitimacy and legality in international law.

This book makes the case for eliminating the distinction between types of armed conflict under international humanitarian law (IHL), specifically as they apply to persons taking a direct part in the hostilities - be they soldiers or insurgents. Currently, IHL makes a distinction between international and non-international armed conflicts. International armed conflicts are regulated by more treaties than their non-international counterparts. The regulation of international armed conflicts is also considerably more comprehensive than that offered for participants in and victims of non-international armed conflicts. This bifurcation of the law was logical at the time the Geneva Conventions of 1949 were drafted and adopted, as the majority of armed conflicts prior to that point had been international in character. However, in the years following the adoption of the Conventions, there has been a proliferation of non-international armed conflicts, which presents challenges to a body of law that has few tools to adequately address such occurrences. The adoption of the Additional Protocols in 1977 went some way to addressing the legal lacunae that existed, but significant gaps still remain.
Mindful of this history, this book tracks the growth and evolution of the laws of armed conflict in the modern era, since the first document of the laws of war produced for the American Civil War. In doing so, this book demonstrates how the law of armed conflict has become increasingly harmonized in its application, with more rules of IHL being generally applicable in all instances of armed conflict, regardless of characterization. This book then makes the argument that the time has come for the final step to be taken, the elimination of the distinction between types of armed conflict, and the complete harmonization of the laws of war. Focusing specifically on the issue of combatants and POWs in armed conflicts, and drawing on the recent US treatment of detainees in Guantanamo Bay in the "War on Terror," this book draws on considerable legal precedent, legal theory, and policy arguments to make the case that it is time for the law relating to the regulation of armed conflicts to be more uniformly applied.

Psychologist Emily Crawford's world changed forever in 2001, when she adopted a tiny green iguana named Sammy. With her fascinating prehistoric appearance and elaborate system of nonverbal communication, Sammy soon grew into an ambassador for love. Her gentle wisdom repeatedly shone light in the darkest places in Emily's life.

With humor and beautiful photographs, this personal narrative offers valuable life lessons and ways to listen for love in the most unexpected places.

""God Is Talking" helps us realize that even iguanas can teach us about life as long as we can slow down and listen Whether you are a parent, animal lover, spiritual person, or anyone who has had challenges in your life, learn how to gain insight and perspective into the gifts that life brings "
-Abram Wilks, licensed clinical social worker

"Sammy the green iguana is brought to life with warmth, enthusiasm, and cleverness. There is so much wisdom about the world wrapped up in one little beloved green iguana girl This is a big journey through life's important lessons from a unique perspective you will not want to miss "
-Shannyn Yalaoui, systems analyst and
Second Chance animal rescue volunteer

"It's a fun and honest love story that makes a person want to go green. It also is a great reminder that God can and does work in all kinds of ways-not just in the ordinary but the extraordinary."
-Reverend Keith Vessell, First United Methodist Church

Over the past twenty-five years, significant changes in the conduct of wars have increasingly placed civilians in traditional military roles - employing civilians to execute drone strikes, the 'targeted killing' of suspected terrorists, the use of private security contractors in combat zones, and the spread of cyber attacks. Under the laws of armed conflict, civilians cannot be targeted unless they take direct part in hostilities. Once civilians take action, they become targets. This book analyses the complex question of how to identify just who those civilians are. Identifying the Enemy examines the history of civilian participation in armed conflict and how the law has responded to such action. It asks the crucial question: what is 'direct participation in hostilities'? The book slices through the attempts to untie this Gordian knot, and shows that the changing nature of warfare has called into question the very foundation of the civilian/military dichotomy that is at the heart of the law of armed conflict.