This book investigates the legal framework governing the use of naval weapons systems within the context of contemporary armed conflict. James J. Busuttil, an expert in international law, utilizes a combination of historical state practice, treaty analysis, and customary international law to evaluate how modern naval weaponry is regulated. The work argues that while existing agreements provide a foundation for wartime conduct, the rapid evolution of naval technology necessitates a more robust and adaptive legal structure to govern state behavior at sea.

Legal scholars and military historians identify this text as a foundational resource for understanding the intersection of maritime technology and international law. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous examination of state practice and treaty interpretation.