THE WAR ON TERROR AND IRAQ IN HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article critically examines the doctrine of pre-emption articulated in the National Security Strategy and the arguments made in favour of the proposition that it represents an emerging norm of international law and is compatible with the UN Charter. It focuses in particular on the possible implications with the UN Charter. It focuses in particular on the possible implications of this doctrine for Third-World states. It also examines the war in Iraq and pre-emption may be seen as replicating, in certain respects, a much earlier colonial history.