In a recent Oxford University Press book
The Responsibility to Protect: The Promise of Stopping Mass Atrocities in Our Timehuman rights lawyers Jared Genser and Irwin Cotler edit a volume of essays that range from endorsement to skeptical views of the doctrine. With an introduction by Desmond Tutu and the late Václav Havel, the assembled contributors have produced the best discussion on how best to apply R2P to current and future humanitarian crises." Thor Halvorssen, Founder, Human Rights Foundation Huffington Post, January 2012
Including perspectives from a diverse group of experts, The Responsibility to Protect makes an important contribution to the growing scholarship about this new and evolving doctrine. At the same time, however, the case studies in the book illustrate the painful reality of the large gap between the world's stated commitment to halting mass atrocities and its ongoing practice. Ultimately, it recommends a series of practical steps that should be taken by the international community to bring its promise to fruition." - The Honourable Roméo A. Dallaire, Senator (Canada) and Lieutenant General (Ret.)
The goalposts have moved in recent years as much more robust obligations are expected of states and intergovernmental organizations when vulnerable groups face humanitarian crises, be these man-made or natural. Nowhere is this more clearly manifested than in the evolving doctrine of the Responsibility to Protect, This rich and authoritative collection of essays provides a superb tour d'horizon of the subject, explaining the theoretical and political issues and setting out the relevance of the concept to the great challenges of our times." - William Schabas, professor of international law, Middlesex University, London
The book is both informative and stimulating, as it pairs nuanced doctrinal analysis with captivating political and historical studies of RtoP's development and its influence on modern mass atrocities. Ultimately, anyone looking for exposure to this burgeoning principle of international law, the politics that underlie its developing norms, or a brief history of contemporary mass atrocities will find The Responsibility to Protect captivating."
Matthew B. Simon, NYU School of Law Journal of International Law and Politics (Vol 45, Issue 3)