1st Edition
International Law in the Middle East Closer to Power than Justice
Examining international law through the lens of the Middle East, this insightful study demonstrates the qualitatively different manner in which international law is applied in this region of the world. Law is intended to produce a just society, but as it is ultimately a social construct that has travelled through a political process, it cannot be divorced from its relationship to power. The study demonstrates that this understanding shapes the notion, strongly held in the Middle East, that law is little more than a tool of the powerful, used for coercion and oppression. The author considers a number of formative events to demonstrate how the Middle East has become an underclass of the international system wherein law is applied and interpreted selectively, used coercively and, in noticeable situations, simply disregarded. International Law in the Middle East brings various narratives of history to the fore to create a wider arena in which international law can be considered and critiqued.
Biography
Jean Allain is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Law, Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. As well as being an academic, the author has had experience in war trials at The Hague.
'International Law in the Middle East brings various narratives of history to the fore to create a wider arena in which international law can be considered and critiqued.' The Middle East 'This powerful but scholarly, succinct but comprehensive, never-ending but timely assessment examines the Middle East through the lens of International Law...No library that generally emphasizes International Law, or specializes in the Middle East, would be considered complete wihout this valuable analytical tool.' American Society of International Law Newsletter '...the eight thoughtful, wide-ranging, detailed chapters weaving fact and law provide much food for thought...This useful book brings out the importance of considering the major political interface which often lies between law and its application.' Asian Affairs 'Reading this book is an exciting moment to learn and to know how far we have come with the concept of conventional justice as it is declared in the provisions of the United Nations Charter and the Declaration of Human Rights. This book is a valuable documentation of the real feature of international law, international criminal law and justice.' Contemporary Journal of International Criminal Law
