Genocide, Torture, and Terrorism: Ranking International Crimes and Justifying Humanitarian Intervention

by Thomas W. Simon

Overview

We are understandably reluctant to "rank" moral atrocities. What is worse, genocide or terrorism? In this book, Thomas W. Simon argues that politicians use this to manipulate our sense of injustice by exaggerating terrorism and minimizing torture. He advocates for an international criminal code that encourages humanitarian intervention.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781137415103
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan US
Publication date:	11/04/2015
Edition description:	1st ed. 2016
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Thomas W. Simon is Professor of International Law at Johns Hopkins University s School for Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at the Hopkins-Nanjing Center, China. His books include: Laws of Genocide, Ethnic Identity and Minority Protection, Democracy & Social Injustice, Law & Philosophy, and China s Changing Legal System. He has held law fellowships at Harvard Law School (USA), University of Ljubljana (Slovenia), and University of Malaya (Malaysia).

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations

Acknowledgements

Introduction

PART I: COMPARING INJUSTICES: THE CENTRALITY OF GENOCIDE

1. Comparing Wrongs

2. Comparing Genocides

3. Rwanda: Devalued Injustice

PART II: COMPARATIVE APPLICATIONS: WAR ON TERROR'S DISTORTIONS

4. Torture: Undervalued Injustice

5. Terrorism: Overvalued Injustice

PART III: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

6. Universal Wrongs: Jus Cogens

7. Duty to Act: Beyond Duty to Protect

Conclusion

Appendix A: Genocide, Torture, and Terrorism Compared

Appendix B: International Crimes Compared

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

"Simon's book . . . challenges prevalent notions of terrorism and torture and advocates for a more robust duty to act in the face of injustice. A worthy and well-researched endeavor that provides unique insight into discussions about international and transnational crimes." Liu Daqun, Judge of the Appeals Chamber, International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia

"[This book] will energize the current debate over how and why we need to make comparisons when dealing with crimes like genocide, torture, and terrorism and when we are required to intervene in such contexts." - Steven T. Katz, Boston University, USA

"Bold, lucid, challenging, courageous, on target . . . . As compassionate and humane as it is timely and hard-hitting, Simon's analysis needs to inform politics and policy making at home and abroad." - John K. Roth, Claremont McKenna College, USA

"Some crimes are worse than others, and we should not be afraid to say so. . . [this book] is necessary reading for those who wish to think seriously about the intersection of moral philosophy and international law." Chad Flanders, Saint Louis University School of Law, USA

"[A] brilliantly original book . . . . Indispensable reading for anyone seeking the enhanced implementation of international criminal law." Richard Falk, Princeton University, USA

"[T]his may be the book that changes the conversation to render international criminal law a more potent force in the fight against global injustices." - Michael P. Scharf, Case Western Reserve University School of Law, USA

From the Publisher