In "Humanitarian Intervention," Sean D. Murphy embarks on a meticulous exploration of the delicate balance between the traditional constraints on the use of armed force in international relations and the growing imperative to protect individuals from severe human rights abuses. With a scholar's precision and a storyteller's flair, Murphy charts the evolution of international norms that, since the mid-twentieth century, have increasingly recognized the inadmissibility of military aggression for territorial gain. Yet, as Murphy deftly illustrates, these norms are tested by the harsh realities of civil conflicts and oppressive regimes, where the international community's responsibility to prevent atrocities against innocent civilians often clashes with the principles of state sovereignty and non-intervention. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical and contemporary cases, Murphy sheds light on the complexities of humanitarian intervention in a world still grappling with the legacies of colonialism and Cold War geopolitics. His narrative not only recounts the instances where the international community has intervened—or failed to intervene—but also critically examines the legal, ethical, and practical dilemmas that underpin such decisions. "Humanitarian Intervention" is a compelling and insightful study that challenges readers to reconsider the role of international law and moral obligation in shaping a response to human suffering, making it an essential read for anyone concerned with the future of global governance and human rights.