This book provides a modern and basic introduction to a branch of international law constantly gaining in importance in international life, namely international humanitarian law (IHL), the law of armed conflict. It is constructed in a way that is suitable for self-study. Subject matters are discussed in self-contained chapters, allowing each to be studied independently of the others. Among the subjects discussed are, inter alia: the relationship between jus ad bellum / jus in bello . the historical evolution of IHL . the basic principles and sources of IHL . Martens Clause . international and non-international armed conflicts . material, spatial, personal, and temporal scope of the application of IHL . special agreements under IHL . the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross . targeting . objects specifically protected against attack . prohibited weapons . perfidy . reprisals . assistance of the wounded and sick . the definition of combatants . protection of prisoners of war . protection of civilians . occupied territories . protective emblems . sea warfare . neutrality . the implementation of IHL.