The Modern Law of Land Warfare provides a comprehensive and systematic account of the current international legal framework governing warfare on land. This work draws from the transformative events of World War II, subsequent conflicts like the Korean War, the evolution of warfare technologies, and the landmark Geneva Conventions of 1949. By integrating these developments with pre-existing legal frameworks, the book aims to create an ordered and cohesive restatement of the law of war. Its purpose is to ensure clarity and accuracy in understanding the rules of engagement, their application to legitimate and illegitimate conflicts, and the necessity of maintaining these principles even in the face of new and destructive military technologies.

The text underscores the continued relevance of the law of war in a world where conflicts persist despite the aspirations of the United Nations Charter. Highlighting the essential function of war in resolving disputes that elude other means, the author details the circumstances under which war is lawful and the application of wartime rules, regardless of the legality of the conflict itself. Addressing contemporary challenges such as nuclear and mass destruction weapons, the book advocates for the refinement of these laws to prevent their misuse. As a rigorously documented and impartial resource, this work serves as both a practical guide and a foundational reference for scholars, legal practitioners, and policymakers navigating the complexities of modern warfare and international law.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1959.