The Use of Armed Force in Occupied Territory

'Marco Longobardo's book demonstrates that while many of the post-WWII occupations are contested between the States involved, the jus ad bellum and self-defence, international humanitarian law and human rights law provide generally binding rules for the use of force. A particular strength of this book is thorough analysis of conventional law, custom, and jurisprudence combined with a sound assessment of the differences between law enforcement and the conduct of hostilities.' Dieter Fleck, Former Director International Agreements and Policy of the German Ministry of Defence, Member of the Advisory Board of the Amsterdam Center for International Law 'The law governing occupation may seem to be 'a sort of relic of another time', to borrow Dr Longobardo's words, but despite the evolution of international law it unfortunately still remains relevant. In a sense, this is the ultimate protection of human rights, where the occupying state must ensure rights and freedoms not of its own population but in a place where its presence, if legitimate at all, can only be temporary. Dr Longobardo's fine analysis of the use of armed force, especially through the lens of the human right to life, is a masterful scholarly contribution' William A. Schabas, Middlesex University, London and Universiteit Leiden, The Netherlands 'This book is an achievement and one that will surely be a reference for years to come.' Caleb H. Wheeler, Journal of Conflict & Security Law 'The author's analysis is based on a very thorough research of the relevant material. It is particularly important to highlight the wide range of sources examined, including primary sources. The author is meticulous in his analysis and all the main elements of the question are identified and studied. Even if not all specialists will necessarily share the author's conclusions, these are supported by detailed legal reasoning and will advance discussions on the question of the use of force in occupied territory. As Professor Eyal Benvenisti sums it up very well in the foreword to the book, 'Longobardo's comprehensive study, insightful analyzes and important suggestions will no doubt influence these debates and hopefully resolve some of the outstanding disagreements.' Vaios Koutroulis, Revue Belge de Droit International 'The Use of Armed Force in Occupied Territory is an up-to-date, comprehensive and well-written contribution to the literature ... Reading the book, I appreciated the arguments, ideas and insightful suggestions presented for a resolution of disagreements that are often prevalent in scholarly discussions on the legal aspects of the use of force in occupied territory. I would strongly recommend this impressive work as a reference point given the considerable coverage of the topic, and in particular, for those who seek to understand better the wide variety of questions related to the legal regulation of the use of armed force in occupied territories.' Saeed Bagheri, Edinburgh Law Review '... this book is definitely a welcome addition to the existing literature on the law of occupation. It furthermore presents interesting points, which are well argued and presented in a very structured manner. The present reviewer definitely found it to be a captivating read.' Hanne Cuyckens, The Military Law and the Law of War Review