Abstract
As indicated by Ralph’s insight in the above quotation from Lord of the Flies, rules matter — and they matter very much indeed. The rules concerning the use of military force in international politics, as defined in the UN Charter, are perhaps the most important rules we have. And here the most pivotal rule is the prohibition against using military force as a tool of normal statecraft.
‘The rules’, shouted Ralph,’ you’re breaking the rules!’
‘Who cares?’
Ralph summoned his wits:
‘Because the rules are the only thing we’ve got!’
William Golding, Lord of the Flies
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Notes
Shane Mulligan, ‘Questioning the Question of Legitimacy in IR: A reply to Jens Steffek’, European Journal of International Relations, 10, no. 3, September 2004, p. 475.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Copyright information
© 2006 Janne Haaland Matlary
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Matlary, J.H. (2006). Introduction: The Rules of the Game. In: Values and Weapons. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230599734_1
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230599734_1
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-54121-8
Online ISBN: 978-0-230-59973-4
eBook Packages: Palgrave Political & Intern. Studies CollectionPolitical Science and International Studies (R0)