Book Review: Philippe Sands, East West Street: On the Origins of ‘Genocide’ and ‘Crimes Against Humanity’ (Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 2016)

Abstract

Philippe Sands's East West Street is a milestone among recent writings on international law, expanding the stylistic possibilities available to the discipline, even if its role in advancing substantive knowledge of legal topics is modest in comparison. It offers glimpses into intellectual history and legal history, and links these effectively to the immediate social and political stakes of the ideas and doctrines. What the book lacks has been covered elsewhere, both in scholarly texts and works intended for general audiences. What it adds, however, can be found nowhere else.

Keywords: Human Rights, History of International Law, Genocide, Crimes Against Humanity