Agatha Verdebout holds a PhD in Public International Law from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). Her main research interests lie in critical histories of international law and the use of force. She is the recipient of several prizes, awards and research grants, notably the 2017 Henri Rolin Prize.
General Introduction; I. The Use of Force in Nineteenth Century Doctrine:
More than a Naturalist Fantasy: Introduction. Aim, Methodology and Outline;
1. The 'Use of Force' in the nineteenth century: some conceptual
clarifications; 2. The use of force in writings of 'Naturalist'
inclination; 3. The use of force in writings of 'Eclectic' inclination; 4.
The use of force in writings of 'Positivistic' inclination; Conclusion.
Some thoughts on the differences between past and present scholarship on
the use of force; II. The Use of Force in Nineteenth Century Practice: Law
Beyond Morals and Politics: Introduction. Aim, Methodology and Outline; 5.
Justifying the use of force in the 'Centre'; 6. Justifying the use of force
in the 'Semi-Peripheries'; 7. Justifying the use of force in the
'Peripheries'; Conclusion. Some thoughts on the differences between past
and present practice of justifying force; III. The Narrative of
Indifference in the Twentieth Century: Disciplinary Identity and
Legitimacy: Introduction. Aim, Methodology and Outline; 8. Disciplinary
beliefs about international law and the narrative of indifference: a
mirror-effect; 9. The emergence of the narrative of indifference in the
interwar: preserving identity by restoring credibility; Conclusion. Some
thoughts on the persistence of the narrative of indifference in modern-day
doctrine; General Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.
