Customer Reviews

The Right of Conquest: The Acquisition of Territory by Force in International Law and Practice

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There is much to admire in this book. However, it is the final chapter, highlighting continuing problems with the abolition of the right of conquest, that has exerted the greatest influence on subsequent scholarship. Korman was the first writer to raise seriously the question whether the legal bar on the recognition of title acquired by conquest has hindered rather than helped the quest for peace and justice. Might Syria (for example) have concluded a comprehensive settlement with Israel by now if international law had not stipulated that Israel's acquisition of the Golan Heights should never be recognized, no matter how many years pass? Since "The Right of Conquest" appeared to great acclaim 15 years ago, there has been a growing awareness of the need to investigate such questions. Produced in accordance with the highest traditions of Oxford University Press, this is a book I am proud to own.

Beautifully written. This book is replete with cogent if unexpected arguments and fascinating historical tidbits. I've read so much drivel on both sides of the argument re the legality of Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem & the Golan Heights in 1967 & 1981 but the legal analysis here is unusually balanced, illuminating and authoritative. Korman's book has been quoted in the International Court of Justice, in submissions supporting the UN General Assembly's request for an Advisory Opinion on the legality of Israel's construction of the Separation Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

I can understand how an out-of-print book might sell for $150--supply and demand, right? But $120 for the Kindle edition? Is Amazon crazy? That's almost the cost of the Kindle itself. If I had $120 to spend on a book, then I'd buy the print version. I thought the digital technology was supposed to make books more accessible. Very disappointed in this.