Islam and International Humanitarian Law: From a Clash to a Conversation Between Civilizations

International Review of the Red Cross, Vol. 84, No. 847, September 2002

30 Pages Posted: 21 Aug 2007

See all articles by James Cockayne

James Cockayne

Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation

Abstract

In a world viewed as a 'clash of civilizations', Islam and IHL are increasingly seen as competitors. Previous attempts to compare Islam and IHL characterize each system as static and monolithic and suffer from a subtle orientalism. By reviewing the role of Islamic players in the development of IHL from 1856 to the present, we can discern the changing nature of the relationship between the two systems. From an Islamic 'other', against which IHL defined itself, Islam has emerged first as a contributor 'civilization', then as a force of nationalism, and lastly as a competitor to IHL. Its contribution reveals that IHL is itself a process of conversation between civilizations.

Keywords: Islam, international humanitarian law, international law, clash of civilizations, IHL

Suggested Citation

Cockayne, James, Islam and International Humanitarian Law: From a Clash to a Conversation Between Civilizations. International Review of the Red Cross, Vol. 84, No. 847, September 2002, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1008165

James Cockayne (Contact Author)

Center on Global Counterterrorism Cooperation ( email )

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