The recent emergence of many new states and the creation of a large number of international institutions have resulted in considerable growth in the number of persons having diplomatic status. However, an unfortunate side-effect of this growth has been a corresponding increase in the number of attacks on diplomatic personnel, as symbolic figures diplomats are targets for all types of political violence. This book provides an in-depth examination of the legal and non-legal regimes directed towards the protection of diplomatic personnel around the world. It examines the theoretical and practical justifications for the granting of special protection to such personnel and also particular recent developments in international law relating to the prevention of terrorism and the development of international criminal law, including the International Criminal Court.
Biography
Professor J. Craig Barker is Dean of London South Bank University's School of Law and Social Sciences. He teaches in the fields of public international law and international criminal law. His primary research interest is the legal regulation of diplomatic relations and international immunities generally.
'Against a wide scholarly canvas, Craig Barker vividly depicts how the new age of barbarism has transformed ambassadors from sacrosanct messengers into vulnerable targets. He critically assesses recent international measures to strengthen protection and ensure punishment of crimes against embassies. A bleak indictment of the damage inflicted on open diplomacy and compelling justification for the continuing need for inviolability.' Professor Eileen Denza, University College London, UK and formerly Legal Counsellor, Foreign and Commonwealth Office 'Effective diplomacy lies at the heart of international governance and international relations and the proper protection of diplomatic personnel is essential to its success. This book marries a fascinating historical account of the topic with a penetrating analysis of the plethora of current legal developments and is destined to become required reading for anyone involved in diplomatic law and practice.' Professor Malcolm Evans, Dean of Faculty of Law, University of Bristol, UK 'The author draws from a wide array of resources...he passionately illustrates the impact on International Criminal Law and the work of the International Criminal Court.' American Society of International Law 'Readers will find this book valuable in providing a concise survey of a significant problem, including an informative overview of theories relating to the role and status of diplomats from ancient Greece and Rome onwards.' Political Studies Review
