The Responsibility to Protect

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to curb atrocity crimes. Getting beyond endless debates about theory, the authors draw innovative lessons from a decade of international and national practice in implementing the Responsibility to Protect. This was one of my chief priorities as Secretary-General and Professor Luck, as my Special Adviser, was the architect of my three pillar strategy for prevention and protection. I know that there is nothing easy about trying to protect populations and prevent atrocity crimes, but I also know from experience that it can and must be done. With vivid prose and the keen insight of practitioners, Professors Bellamy and Luck tell us how. Every official, advocate, humanitarian, analyst, scholar, and student should read this timely and masterly account. It points the way to a more secure and humane future. H.E. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, 2007-2016 R2P is now a globally accepted norm, but universally effective atrocity prevention in practice remains a battle barely half-won. This is the guide to the task ahead the world has been waiting for. The richness and precision of Luck's and Bellamy's analysis should satisfy the most demanding academics, while the sharp practicality of their prescriptions - supported by a wealth of real-world lessons-learned examples - will be of enormous help to policymakers. This is not just one for the bookshelves: it demands to be read. Gareth Evans, Co-Chair of International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty; former Australian Foreign Minister; President Emeritus of International Crisis Group; author of The Responsibility to Protect: Ending Mass Atrocity Crimes Once and For All.