Drawing on Marxist theory and a critical history of interbational law from the 16th century to the present day, Mieville examines international legal norms and shows how they have never successfully restrained the violence of empires. China Mieville's brilliantly original book is an indispensable guide for anyone concerned with international law. It is the most comprehensive scholarly account available of the central theoretical debates about the foundations of international law.' - Peter Gowan, Professor of International Relations, London Metropolitan Uni'