The book investigates the widespread violation of international laws and treaties designed to prevent war crimes and crimes against humanity. It examines the recent surge of attention on these offenses, spurred by public outcry over genocides, leading to the establishment of war crimes tribunals and a permanent international criminal court. The work provides an A-to-Z guide to major war crimes and legal terminology, drawing on the expertise of journalists, legal scholars, and military law experts. It further analyzes nine recent wars through the lens of international humanitarian law.

This work is presented as a comprehensive guide to war crimes and international humanitarian law, drawing on expert analysis and case studies of recent conflicts. The book aims to inform readers about the complexities of prosecuting war crimes and the legal frameworks in place to address them. It highlights the tension between universally ratified treaties and their frequent disregard in practice. The compilation of definitions and analyses suggests a resource intended for both legal professionals and an informed public interested in international justice.