International Law on the Maintenance of Peace

Jus Contra Bellum

Principles of international law series

Robert Kolb, Professor of Public International Law, University of Geneva, Switzerland

This book offers a comprehensive study into the use of force and the maintenance of peace in international relations. Whilst rooted in public international law, it also approaches the question from different angles, including its historical evolution and its sociological environment. The competences and practice of the UN and of regional organizations in the maintenance of peace are examined before the focus is shifted to the inter-State level, the main non-use of force rule and its claimed or recognized exceptions. Robert Kolb analyzes each of these rules separately, before concluding with insightful reflections on the current state-of-play and considerations for the future of this branch of the law.

‘In our war-torn world, this book renews our understanding of the importance of peace as a legal and moral norm. It also provides the most comprehensive discussion of how and why the international law against war works to achieve peace. No scholar, student, government official or concerned person should fail to consult it.’
– Mary Ellen O'Connell, University of Notre Dame, US