This article identifies and explores the salient features of the "new wars" of the 21st century. In particular, three phenomena are analysed: asymmetry; demiliterization; and privatization and commercialization of war. It is argued that these trends are likely to continue to affect many of the wars in the near future unless there are major geo-political and economic changes in international relations.

In this article the authors analyse the concept of “new conflicts”. A brief historical review shows that all techniques characteristic of the “new conflicts” were used in the wars of the past. Today’s fighting is typical of the “post-bipolar” age; it reflects a West where the reality of war has been forgotten and any war seems new after two generations of peace.

Given that people unlawfully taking part in hostilities are not entitled to protection under the Third Geneva Convention relative to prisoners of war, the author focuses on the controversially debated question of whether "unlawful combatants" fall into the personal scope of application of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949.

This article traces the ideological interpretation of the red cross emblem in Japan from its inception to the end of World War II and analyses the effect of such interpretation on the activities of the Red Cross society, the practices of the national army and the national identity. Unlike Turkey and Persia, Japan chose not to denote any religious character to the emblem. However, the symbol came to take on a national significance with ties to the Imperial Family and indigenous traditions, including those of warfare.

Based on existing studies and on documents, some previously unpublished, from former Soviet archives, this article tells the story of the Wehrlin mission in the Soviet Union between the two world wars, which was one of the most controversial missions in the entire history of the ICRC.

Action to resolve the problem of people unaccounted for as a result of armed conflict or internal violence and to assist their families

Biannual update on national legislation and case law, July - December 2002

Recent acquisitions of the Library & Research Service, ICRC