Do the Geneva Conventions matter?

This work offers a comparative analysis of state practice with regard to the Geneva Conventions. It seeks to answer three questions of critical importance to understanding their role and impact: (1) How have the Geneva Conventions been incorporated into the laws and practices governing armed forces in particular countries? (2) In what ways has the Geneva regime constrained the behavior of states facing situations such as guerrilla warfare and terrorism, where one would expect the Conventions to come under the greatest pressure? (3) What factors have contributed to the successes and failures of the Geneva Conventions to protect human rights in wartime?

Do the Geneva Conventions Matter? provides a rich, comparative analysis of the laws that govern warfare and a more specific investigation relating to state practice and gives insight into how the Geneva regime has constrained guerrilla warfare and terrorism and the factors that affect protect human rights in wartime.