Killing Civilians: Method, Madness, and Morality in War (Columbia/Hurst)
A remarkable book. It is rare to encounter such an unflinching and thorough dissection of the brutality we humans are capable of, recounted with such humanity. Hugo Slim's message is ultimately encouraging to those of us striving to protect the rights of children and their communities in today's conflicts and should be applauded.(Jasmine Whitbread, chief executive of Save the Children, UK)This is an essential text on the hideous but important topic of why and how soldiers kill noncombatants. Hugo Slim explores the moral reasoning behind both lethal violence against civilians and the traditions of mercy and restraint that have sustained a small but precious space for humanity in warfare.(Alex de Waal, program director, Social Science Research Council)An excellent book for the practitioner, whether political, humanitarian, or military, as well as for the general public in whose name they act.(General Sir Rupert Smith, author ofThe Utility of Force: The Art of War in the Modern World)[Slim is] skillfully weaving history and psychology together with a sense of contemporary mission.(Steven PooleThe Guardian)A clear, impartial, honest work... brought alive by a myriad of vivid historical, contemporary and personal anecdotes. In short, it is very good.(The Economist)Any attempt to carve out a humanitarian space in the midst of bitter conflicts faces tough challenges, but Slim's book is an important reminder of why it is vital to try.(Lawrence D. FreedmanForeign Affairs)Well-written and engaging.(Colm McKeoghH-War)Using accessible language and historical examples, Slim juxtaposes human psychology and history in a clever and engaging way.(Dr Narelle BiedermannAustralian Army Journal1900-01-00)The author presents human motivations for violence realistically, in detail, and without blinking.(Thomas B. GrasseyParameters1900-01-00)