What Is War? An Investigation in the Wake of 9/11

In What Is War?, legal scholar Mary Ellen O'Connell examines the definition of war in international law following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. She analyzes how traditional concepts of war between nations have been challenged by new forms of conflict and the U.S. response to terrorism. O'Connell investigates key legal questions surrounding armed conflict, including what constitutes legitimate military force and how laws of war apply to non-state actors. The book draws on historical examples and legal precedents to evaluate the "war on terror" framework and its implications for international humanitarian law. Through case studies and analysis of policy decisions, O'Connell traces how interpretations of war have evolved from conventional state-vs-state warfare to include counter-terrorism operations and drone strikes. She examines legal distinctions between war and law enforcement, exploring how these boundaries affect military conduct and civilian protection. The work raises fundamental questions about the relationship between law, armed conflict, and state power in an era of asymmetric warfare. O'Connell's analysis challenges readers to consider how legal frameworks shape military action and international security.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Mary Ellen O'Connell's overall work: Readers value O'Connell's clear explanations of complex international law concepts. Legal practitioners and academics cite her analysis of post-9/11 military actions and drone warfare policies. Reviews note her thorough research and constitutional law expertise. What readers liked: - Detailed examination of legal precedents - Clear breakdown of international law principles - Balanced analysis of controversial topics - Citations and documentation What readers disliked: - Academic writing style can be dense - Limited coverage of historical context - Some find her positions on drone warfare too restrictive Ratings across platforms: Google Scholar citations: 2,500+ for key works Amazon: "The Power and Purpose of International Law" - 4.1/5 (28 reviews) Academic journal reviews consistently rate her work as significant to international law scholarship, though some criticize her interpretations as too traditional regarding use of force doctrines. Note: Limited public reader reviews available as works are primarily academic texts used in law schools and policy research.

Just War Against Terror by Barbara Elshtain This text examines how traditional just war principles apply to modern counter-terrorism efforts and international military responses to terrorist threats.

War Law: Understanding International Law and Armed Conflict by Michael Byers The book breaks down complex legal frameworks governing warfare and explains how international laws shape military decisions and conduct during conflicts.

Law, War and Crime: War Crimes, Trials and the Reinvention of International Law by Gerry Simpson This analysis traces the evolution of international war crime prosecution and its impact on modern military conflicts and global justice.

War Time: An Idea, Its History, Its Consequences by Mary L. Dudziak The work explores how the concept of wartime has shaped legal frameworks and influenced decisions about military action throughout American history.

The Rights of War and Peace by Richard Tuck This examination of Hugo Grotius's influential treatise demonstrates how historical theories of just war continue to influence modern international law and military ethics.

🔹 Mary Ellen O'Connell is a professor at Notre Dame Law School and is considered one of the world's leading experts on international law relating to the use of force. 🔹 The book examines how the traditional legal definition of "war" became blurred after 9/11, particularly through concepts like the "War on Terror" and cyber warfare. 🔹 The author argues that expanding the definition of war has dangerous consequences, as it can justify the use of military force in situations where law enforcement would be more appropriate. 🔹 The book was published in 2012, shortly after the killing of Osama bin Laden, and uses this event as a case study to explore the legal boundaries between war and law enforcement. 🔹 O'Connell's research shows that between 1945 and 2000, the word "war" was rarely used by states to describe military operations, but its usage increased dramatically after September 11, 2001.