Defending the West - James Gow

What is the West? Why does it need to be defended? From what, bywhom, and how? These are thorny questions that internationalsociety must grapple with in order to meet the security challengesof the 21st Century. This little book provides answers to thesequestions. In it, James Gow sends out a clarion call for a radicalre-interpretation of the right of self-defence within the terms ofinternational law and international politics.

The world is a wonderful, but dangerous place. There are any numberof threats to peace and security, ranging from new forms ofterrorism and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction toenvironmental degradation, famine and disease. Defending the Westmatters to everyone, regardless of colour, creed, or nationality.It matters to those who are seeking to destroy it as much as itdoes to those seeking to protect it. Defence of the West requirespre-emptive action, but it cannot be undertaken on a unilateralbasis and outside the law. Instead of outlawing pre-emptive action,we must acknowledge that it is necessary and ensure that it can betaken in a framework of partnership and legitimacy.