Customer Reviews: Read 2 more reviews...
 This is a book that will last. Very readable. March 9, 2005
19 out of 22 found this review helpful
~Half way through the book, I asked myself: am I reading a politics book or a law book? This book covers the headline international political events as well as the fundamental international law issues behind them: the Iraq war, the war on terrorism, global warming, establishment of the International Criminal Court, the WTO versus the environment and other public interests, and the safety of international investment. It is an obviously sophisticated political commentary, empowered by legal~~ analysis. The legal issues are wonderfully illustrated in parallel with the development of the political drama, sometimes ending with the scream of law, usually in anger and pain at being stamped upon. It is also a very good law book exquisitely and accurately depicting the making, breaching and arguing of international law. This book has managed to give life to international law and give a rationale to politics. The title of the book is supposed to highlight America. I was impressed with~~ the honesty and fairness of the author, who never hesitates to give America the credit it deserves. Not only was Roosevelt's contribution to international law and the new international order discussed, but also less well known facts, such as Nixon's contribution to international environmental protection and the Clinton administration's push to set up the International Criminal Court, are told in a non-partisan manner. Equally, Philippe Sands did not show any mercy in pointing out where and how~~ America has breached and damaged international law. While reading the book, I almost forgot it was focused on America, mainly because the topics covered in the book are of such concern and influence to all of us, whichever nation we belong to. The book is really an updated international law and political overview. The most exciting and significant thing about this book is that Sands has initiated a new approach to international law study and a new style of political criticism. Public~~ international law practice has long been an area monopolized by a small elite group, not the business of the public, ironically. This book, however, not only brings readers inside the international courts and tribunals where the author has represented cases, but also tirelessly and proudly records the interaction of societies, NGOs, and individuals with some of these cases. International law in this book has been transferred into the public arena, making it an experience of the public as it~~ should have been. The author also pays close attention to materials from public media, including the internet, about international law. In fact, not too many international law books have used images of single individuals on their front covers. Even the language in the book is unpretentiously short and clear, with many questions raised and answered in a documentary style. It is so engaging that you want to look at the photo of the author, who looks in the picture more like Picasso than a~~ professor or barrister. He has applied, if not initiated, a unorthodox approach to international law study, an approach I would call popular international law.~
International Law - A Must Read! April 25, 2006
Saladboxman (Enfield, UK)
10 out of 13 found this review helpful
Books about the workings of International Law are probably not on everyone's 'Must Read' lists.
In Lawless World however, Philippe Sands does a great job of highlighting the relevance and importance of international law in todays modern world. Apart from the headline grabing chapters of the Iraq War and Guantanamo Bay (both excellently presented but not overwhelming) he also introduces the reader to the history of international law, the part it has played in the past (Pinochet) and the role it will continue to play in the future (environment, terrorism, etc).
For example, The 'Kicking Ass in Iraq' chapter details the US and UK Governments role in committing their nations to war and the role in particular of the Attorney General. Throughout the book (but particularly so in this chapter) the reader will be amazed at the audacity of the main protaganists and their ability to complete dismiss or ignore established rules and laws to their own end.
Overall a throughly worthwhile and interesting read which really makes you think about the people we put our faith in.
Style of the book March 7, 2005
9 out of 12 found this review helpful
~For those who are interested in international practice, this book is a must read. As a professor and barrister, the author interweaves his first hand practice experience with the most concerned topics in international law, providing a rare opportunity for readers to share his insider perspective. Never before had an international law book been written in such an accessible way. You should not be surprised if a taxi driver discusses this book with you. I do not know if the author~~ swears at injustice (he must have, I suppose), but you certainly would not find it in the book. At the most indignant moment, the author simply says American is unbounded. The author is trying to narrate and comment as objectively as possible. I always like Penguin's paper back book. They are convenient and pleasant to hold. This book is one of them.~
 The Decline of International Law March 17, 2006
ALAN CHARLES (ROSS ON WYE, HEREFORDSHIRE United Kingdom)
3 out of 5 found this review helpful
The wide disparity in the reviews for this book are intriguing.
(One cannot help but wonder at the motivations of some reviewers!)However, I for one, am quite convinced. Here is a highly informative, depressingly accurate account of the increasingly murky world of international law.
Phillipe Sands presents a powerful analysis of the miserable decline in standards and behaviour to the depths that we see daily of the most powerful nations colluding to undermine the flimsy network of law created over the centuries. Re-writing rules for their own blatant interests; heedless,time after time, of the condition and welfare of others!
This powerful text could be better presented, more clearly constructed - but it does contain such a wealth of fact and background, and it is highly readable for the non-legal mind.
A well-thumbed copy should be on every thinking person's book shelves.
 Others do it better March 31, 2005
4 out of 17 found this review helpful
This book is a disappointment, especially as it is written by a QC. There is hope for me yet! I agree with reviewer Beckwith that it represents a lost opportunity, and that the author gives himself more prominence than he deserves as a marginal player in major issues.Take the Pinochet chapter for instance. Then read Geoffrey Robertson's treatment of it in Crimes Against Humanity. I think most readers would agree that Robertson gives a more useful account (by the way, what is thing Margaret Thatcher has about having mass murderers and crooked politicians as personal friends?). In short, don't waste your money. This book is not going to unseat Blair or Bush. It is not even going to raise their blood temperature.
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