Iraq War: Anticipatory Self-Defense or Unlawful Unilateralism

Abstract

Part I of this article provides an overview of international law on the use of force prior to September 11th, with a focus on the application of international conventions and international custom to the doctrine of anticipatory self-defense. Part II examines the legal basis of the United States' arguments for pursuit of a war against Iraq, and the failure to achieve international cooperation through the U.N. Security Council. This article concludes with a discussion of the implications for international law and international diplomacy.