Beyond the Responsibility to Protect in International Law: An Ethics of Irresponsibility

The international legal concept of the "Responsibility to Protect" is analyzed critically in this book, arguing that it transforms global ethical responsibility into a project of governance, management, and control. A concept of irresponsibility is developed, which is juxtaposed to the dominant Responsibility to Protect discourse. By exposing and acknowledging the sites of irresponsibility, the book argues that irresponsibility itself can become the condition of ethical responsibility and the possibility of justice. This original approach is valuable to those working in international law, international relations, politics, and legal theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The notion that the international community bears a responsibility to safeguard populations facing threats has emerged as the primary framework for addressing mass human atrocities, severe human rights violations, and significant loss of life. While the international community, driven by liberal international law and legal cosmopolitanism, often portrays a confident collective endeavor, this book argues that it transforms global ethical responsibility into a project of governance, management, and control. Through a critical examination of legal literature, critical international relations, and the ideas of responsibility and ethical relationality in the works of Jacques Derrida and Judith Butler, the book develops a concept of irresponsibility. This concept is then contrasted with the prevailing Responsibility to Protect discourse. By unveiling and recognizing the instances of irresponsibility within the Responsibility to Protect, the book contends that irresponsibility itself can become the foundation for ethical responsibility and the potential for justice.

This innovative perspective on a crucial subject is of immense value to professionals engaged in international law, international relations, politics, and legal theory.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367532826