Thursday, June 19, 2025

Boothby & Heintschel von Heinegg: The Law on Nuclear Weapons: An International Commentary

William H. Boothby
, (Univ. of Johannesburg) & Wolff Heintschel von Heinegg (Europa-Universität Viadrina - Law) have published The Law on Nuclear Weapons: An International Commentary (Edward Elgar Publishing 2025). Here's the abstract:

This book provides a uniquely clear and comprehensive statement of the law on nuclear weapons. It draws on the insight and input of a group of 15 experts from around the world and in so doing crafts an authoritative text that sets out not only the positions of a number of states but a carefully articulated guide to this complex area of law.

Building upon the platform of Boothby and Heintschel von Heinegg’s earlier work, this book addresses in much greater depth and detail, and with the authority endowed by the team of experts, how international law deals with the possession and use of nuclear weapons, as well as the deterrence policies associated with them. It presents an in-depth exploration of the law, detailing its implications and providing practical guidance on challenging issues. The book examines sovereignty, the threat or use of force, the conduct of nuclear hostilities, neutrality, weapons law, and war crimes, considering the impact of recent events and trends.