Based on my thoughts on having read this book the attempt to protect individuals against genocide, as one example, via international law is very much a modern idea that has taken specific form since the holocaust. I will also make comment that these conventions are not as well-supported in terms of international cooperation as they might be, such are the major powers reluctance at times to agree on what principles a court structure should take. Also in the democratic west, changes of government seemingly bring changes of attitude to policy.

My copy was from 2008 and things may well have moved on since Geoffrey Robinson wrote this very good book. Unfortunately, this can be a subject that fatigues one too easily. Man’s inhumanity to his fellow man never ceases to amaze.

A long and very dry read but worthwhile and recommended to anyone that has an interest in the subject of crimes against humanity.