International Law and the Use of Indirect Force

The Legal Status of Proxy Wars
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-02145-2
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 212 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm, Gewicht: 479 g

This book critically examines the use of indirect force by states and the extent of its prohibition under international law. The indirect use of force by states – what are colloquially referred to as ‘proxy wars’ – has been steadily rising.

With the emergence of new modes of asymmetric warfare, the state's use of indirect force is gradually moving away from the covert style of the Cold War era to a more overt form. Despite such a shift, this state practice has received very little critical scrutiny, and as a result, its position within the existing international legal framework remains unclear. Viewing this practice through doctrinal, critical, and TWAIL theoretical lenses, this book argues that the current international law and jurisprudence on the meaning and scope of the use of indirect force are fundamentally inadequate and inadvertently suited to favour powerful states. Stressing the inherent weakness of positivist legal frameworks to address the tension between state sovereignty and state power, the book offers new tools for reconceptualising the meaning and scope of the prohibition of indirect force under international law.

International Law and the use of Indirect Force will appeal to scholars and students with relevant interests in international law, international relations and politics, as well as practitioners working in conflict prevention and management

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Udorji, Chosen

Fachgebiete

• Rechtswissenschaften Internationales Recht und Europarecht Internationales Recht
• Sozialwissenschaften Politikwissenschaft Internationale Beziehungen

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction

1. Reconceptualising the Meaning of Indirect Force

2. Re-Assessing the Use of Indirect Force as a Form of Self-Defence

3. Re-Assessing State Use of Indirect Force Under a UNSC Authorisation

4. Re-Assessing the Use of Indirect Force by 'Third States' in Civil Wars

5. Re-Assessing the Use of Indirect Force for Humanitarian Purposes

6. Conclusion

Über Autor(innen)

Chosen Udorji is Senior Teaching Fellow in Law at the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.