Disarming States: The International Movement to Ban Landmines by Rutherford, Kenneth R - 2010

Hardcover. 226 pages. Dimensions: 9.3in. x 6.4in. x 1.1in. This book provides a detailed history of the global movement to ban anti-personnel landmines (APL), marking the first case of a successful worldwide civil society movement to end the use of an entire category of weapons. Landmines can remain active for 50 years, posing a deadly threat to civilians long after a war is over. Landmines also hinder post-conflict reconstruction, undermine infrastructure, and render valuable land off-limits to civilian use, causing overuse of remaining areas. This is why the Mine Ban Treaty and the ongoing international efforts to eliminate landmines are so important. The movement to ban landmines became a turning point in global politics that continues to influence policy and strategy decisions regarding weapon use today. Disarming States: The International Movement to Ban Landmines describes how non-government organizations (NGOs) brought the landmine issue to international attention by forming the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). The author presents new information gleaned from interviews and intensive research conducted around the world. The critical role of mid-size states--such as Austria, Canada, and Switzerland--recruited to back the movements goals is examined. The book concludes by examining how NGOs affect the international political agenda, especially in seeking legal prohibitions on weapons and changes in states behaviors. Features Presents new information on the Mine Ban Treaty gleaned from interviews and intensive research in ten countries Includes 34 photographs from on-the-ground photographers Provides a bibliography that is the most current and comprehensive resource currently available for landmine researchersHighlights Provides a comprehensive narrative of the worldwide effort to ban anti-personnel landmines (APL) in a single-volume narrative Offers insights into the unique position regarding landmines that the United States occupies today in the global arena Addresses an issue that continues to be of both great humanitarian interest and great policy relevance Written by an acknowledged expert who served as a leader in the Nobel Peace Prize-winning coalition that spearheaded the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty and the 2008 Cluster Munitions Ban Treaty, testified before the United States Congress and the United Nations, and is also a landmine survivor.