Book excerpt: It is indisputable that the way armed conflict is conducted has changed dramatically in the last half of the twentieth century. The contributions to this volume accept the reality of these changes and seek to assess the efficacy of certain aspects of international humanitarian law. The volume commences with a critical evaluation of the 1977 Protocols additional to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949. Subsequent chapters consider increasing protection for women and minorities in armed conflict; efforts to control the weapons of war; identifying the law applicable to peace operations; and current developments in the enforcement of international humanitarian law. One general theme which emerges from a number of chapters is the importance of the relationship between international humanitarian law and other relevant areas of international law. Most of the contributors also applaud recent developments towards effective enforcement of the established principles of this important area of international law.