Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book provides a very basic overview of the international law governing the use of force between States, to establish a backdrop for consideration of specific issues. It reviews international law and UN responses to international terrorism, this being of significant relevance to the intervention in Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom. The book, while still considering Afghanistan, turns to an evolving role, adopted by the Security Council and the United Nations in general, in the political and economic reconstruction of States. It returns to the issue of international terrorism but in the context of the Bush doctrine on pre-emptive strikes in the "war on terror". The book examines the legality of the recent coalition intervention. It then looks at the difficult question of United Nations reform and the role of the UN in the maintenance of international peace and security.