Awards

• Winner of Andrew F. Krepinevich Jr. Award (United States).
• Winner of Andrew F. Krepinevich Jr. Award 2020 (United States)

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9781501714658

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Reviews

Brutality in an Age of Human Rights is a work of real historical originality and significance. This fascinating piece of scholarship substantially enhances our understanding of British counterinsurgency and the relationship between war and law. -- Huw Bennett, author of <I> Fighting the Mau Mau</I> Brutality in an Age of Human Rights links significant historical topics to recent conflict scenarios and legal developments. Brian Drohan raises important questions about the uses of massive force by democratic states in the context of counterinsurgency campaigns. -- Fabian Klose, author of <I>Human Rights in the Shadow of Colonial Violence</I> The much-touted myth of postwar British counterinsurgency as clean, honorable, and above all successful war tumbles first in Brian Drohan's account. What follows, though, is truly eye-opening and worth sustained reflection and discussion in the military as much as in the human rights and humanitarian communities. The reality of counterinsurgency tainted even the well-intentioned. It most certainly overthrew any rationale that more and more brutal forms of violence would achieve victory. The three campaigns ended with having to give up what counterinsurgency was meant to preserve. Paradoxically, human rights as law and rhetoric gained, even if it achieved few of its humanitarian aims. A truly sobering inquiry! -- Michael Geyer, Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago

Brian Drohan's book is a vital empirical study informing both humanitarianism and human rights historiographies. It opens pointedly with the diverse legal justifications provided by the British and American governments for their decision to invade Iraq in 2003. * Twentieth Century British History * Brutality in an Age of Human Rights is an important book, one that recalls the significant political damage to Britain's reputation and interests caused by the adoption of brutal methods of counterinsurgency. It is also a valuable historical reminder how easily the 'rule of law' can be effectively manipulated to enable abuse. * European Historical Review * Drohan addresses many legal and moral issues about the challenges of maintaining order and securing human rights in a revolutionary context, [and] the book's major contribution is its detailed historical account of three insurgencies. The book is recommended for all readership levels. * Choice * Drohan's book provides an excellent understanding of the rhetoric and practice of counterinsurgency and a firm foundation for understanding the universe of euphemism and defensiveness that surrounds such efforts even today. * H-DIPLO *

Brutality in an Age of Human Rights is a work of real historical originality and significance. This fascinating piece of scholarship substantially enhances our understanding of British counterinsurgency and the relationship between war and law. -- Huw Bennett, author of <I> Fighting the Mau Mau</I> Brutality in an Age of Human Rights links significant historical topics to recent conflict scenarios and legal developments. Brian Drohan raises important questions about the uses of massive force by democratic states in the context of counterinsurgency campaigns. -- Fabian Klose, author of <I>Human Rights in the Shadow of Colonial Violence</I> The much-touted myth of postwar British counterinsurgency as clean, honorable, and above all successful war tumbles first in Brian Drohan's account. What follows, though, is truly eye-opening and worth sustained reflection and discussion in the military as much as in the human rights and humanitarian communities. The reality of counterinsurgency tainted even the well-intentioned. It most certainly overthrew any rationale that more and more brutal forms of violence would achieve victory. The three campaigns ended with having to give up what counterinsurgency was meant to preserve. Paradoxically, human rights as law and rhetoric gained, even if it achieved few of its humanitarian aims. A truly sobering inquiry! -- Michael Geyer, author of <I>Jihad as Grand Strategy</I>

Author Information

Brian Drohan is a Major in the U.S. Army.

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