From Peace to Justice Series Culture and International Law

How do different cultures deal with international law and how does International Law influence the rules and regulations of these cultures? This book contains a selection of articles resulting from the Third From Peace to Justice Conference, held in April 2006 in The Hague, The Netherlands. The Conference, which was organized by the Hague Academic Coalition (HAC), focused on the current and emerging threats to international peace and security. It aimed to identify some of the most urgent new non-traditional threats and to examine whether these can be addressed within the UN Charter framework. And to the extent that they cannot, to discuss how the UN could reform in order to address these threats which are no less serious than traditional ones. Interesting views from various angles and disciplines were presented and discussed, the results of which are brought together in the three parts of this book. Together they are, notwithstanding their diversity, an interesting compilation with an unmistakable coherency. The first Part combines contributions from the plenary session, under the general theme of the conference. The other Parts group together papers on specific topics: Part Two on military intervention as a legitimate means in international law and international politics; and Part Three on the re-establishment of peace and security after the genocide in Rwanda. Most contributions to this book are in English, the others are in French. Dr Olivier Ribbelink is Head of Research at the T.M.C. Asser Instituut in The Hague, The Netherlands. How do different cultures deal with international law and how does International Law influence the rules and regulations of these cultures? Is International Law an effective tool in protecting cultural heritage, especially in wartime? Does it protect the heritage of cultures in a balanced way? And first of all: what is culture, what is International Law? These important questions were dealt with at the Fourth Conference From Peace to Justice of the Hague Academic Coalition (HAC), which was held in April 2007 in The Hague, The Netherlands. Valuable views, from different angles and perceptions, were presented and discussed. This book is the fruitful result of this Conference, presenting valuable insights, opinions and conclusions of the participants in the subject matter. It will trigger an international debate and search for clarity on these issues. Anyone interested or in any way involved in the harmonization of culture and international law is invited to join the debate, thus contributing to the realization of another important step on the road from peace to security. Paul Meerts is an advisor to the Director of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations ‘Clingendael’ in The Hague and Professor in Diplomatic Negotiation.