A broad-ranging introduction to the theory, practice and politics of humanitarian intervention in the contemporary world. Recent events in Libya and Syria have propelled humanitarian intervention to the top of the international political agenda. This book provides the definitive introduction to the key issues and theories surrounding this important and popular area of study.
New to this Edition:
- Fully updated and includes a new chapter on Libya and the Arab Spring
- Chapters on theory modernised to reflect changes in scholarship

AIDAN HEHIR is Director of the Security and International Relations Programme at the University of Westminster, UK.

Introduction: Humanitarian Intervention in Contemporary International Relations
PART I: CONCEPTS AND CONCEPTIONS
1. What is 'Humanitarian Intervention'?
2. The Just War Tradition and Natural Law
3. The Sovereign State
4. Theoretical Perspectives
PART II: CONTROVERSIES
5. International Law and Human Rights
6. The Responsibility to Protect
7. Who Decides? Authority and Legitimacy
8. Motives and Means
PART III: CASES
9. Humanitarian Intervention in History
10. Rwanda
11. Kosovo
12. Iraq
13. Darfur
14. Libya and the Arab Spring
Conclusion: The Future of Humanitarian Intervention?