This book provides a modern and basic introduction to international humanitarian law (the law of armed conflict) and is suitable for self-study.

This book provides a modern and basic introduction to a branch of international law constantly gaining in importance in international life, namely international humanitarian law (IHL), the law of armed conflict. It is constructed in a way that is suitable for self-study. Subject matters are discussed in self-contained chapters, allowing each to be studied independently of the others. Among the subjects discussed are, inter alia: the relationship between jus ad bellum / jus in bello the historical evolution of IHL the basic principles and sources of IHL Martens Clause international and non-international armed conflicts material, spatial, personal, and temporal scope of the application of IHL special agreements under IHL the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross targeting objects specifically protected against attack prohibited weapons perfidy reprisals assistance of the wounded and sick the definition of combatants protection of prisoners of

The educational role of this book is evident, as each section, covering roughly 5-15 pages, includes a learning objective, an analysis of the topic discussed and a comprehension check with questions and answers. This last part is equally interesting and worth reading, as it provides further clarifications of the law or gives practical examples on how the law should be interpreted and applied in practice. The book is not technical, as it is written in simple and accessible language for every student or professional, who is interested in humanitarian law and is not familiar with the topic. Additionally it could serve as a textbook for academic use or as a tool of dissemination of humanitarian law rules to the general public. As the titles reveals, it is an introduction and therefore it is not addressed to people with substantial prior knowledge in the law of armed conflict. On the other hand it offers much more than just a basic introduction, while it is also comprehensive enough, without the need to resort to the text of the relevant treaties. Overall the book provides the essential information on the law of armed conflict, while it functions as an appetizer for a deeper study of this area.