From the Nuremberg Trials to the grisly campaign of "ethnic cleansing" in today's Bosnia, the world recognizes that certain actions are morally and legally unacceptable even in the midst of war. But when is a nation justified in going to war? And how far can it go in inflicting damage on an enemy? What weapons can be developed and stockpiled? What is the proper treatment of civilians, detainees and POWs? "The Laws of War" features extensive excerpts from treaties and authoritative judgments to answer these and other questions. The result is a unique and comprehensive reference work on global...