JIB/JAB - Episode 16: Terry Gill on Self-Defense Against Non-State Actors

Humphrey Waldock’s Hague Academy lecture on the use of force remains a foundational text exploring the historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions of jus ad bellum. Waldock draws on his wartime and advisory experience to analyze naval and military practice alongside legal doctrine, illuminating how principles evolved through state practice and diplomatic negotiation. The work discusses key cases and controversies, offering clarity on topics such as self-defense, neutrality, and state responsibility. Waldock’s balanced scholarly and diplomatic approach has influenced subsequent generations of international lawyers and remains widely cited in scholarship and adjudication. The lecture is valued both for its depth of historical research and for its practical insights into the development of international law on the use of force.

Jack Vance’s Madouc (first volume of the trilogy often referred to as The Green Pearl) is a fantasy novel known for its vivid imagination, intricate world-building, and adventurous plot. The story follows the eponymous heroine through a richly textured setting shaped by Vance’s distinctive prose and inventive cultural details. Vance blends elements of magic, adventure, and subtle satire while crafting memorable characters and exotic locales. The trilogy is appreciated by readers who enjoy escapist fantasy with a literate, old-school style distinct from mainstream epic fantasy. Madouc exemplifies Vance’s talent for combining whimsical plotting with a refined command of language and storytelling.

Kinga Thiborizabo’s work examines the historical roots and modern evolution of anticipatory self-defense, situating contemporary claims within just war doctrine and 19th–20th century state practice. The book systematically analyzes notable cases and state practice where anticipatory or preemptive force was invoked, assessing legal thresholds such as necessity and imminence. It evaluates competing doctrinal approaches and offers a structured framework for assessing when anticipatory action might be lawful under international law. The author integrates doctrinal analysis with case studies to clarify ambiguities in customary and treaty law. The book is written to be accessible to scholars and practitioners interested in the legal foundations of anticipatory use of force.