The Rise of Dual-use Cities in Modern Urban Warfare

The Rise of Dual-use Cities in Modern Urban Warfare explores the legal framework – consisting of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL) – that sets out to protect civilians and their property during conflict. Andrés H. Cáceres-Solari unravels the realities of modern urban warfare, outlines gaps in current legislation, and provides recommendations to counteract these shortcomings.

Written in an accessible style that breaks down complex legal principles, this timely book highlights landmark case studies to illustrate the application of IHL and IHRL in practice. Using these as a foundation, Cáceres-Solari dissects the interplay between armed conflicts and their effects. Chapters provide a comprehensive global perspective, examining how legislation operates across borders: covering treaties, international organizations, and state interactions. They analyze cities as centres of control and the importance of dual-use objects, considering recent adaptations from open-field combat.

This book, written by a combat veteran turned scholar, is a valuable resource for students and scholars of public international and humanitarian law owing to its interdisciplinary approach. Law makers and practitioners of military law will also benefit from the clear insights into legal principles.