This book explains the complex origins and evolution of Sri Lanka's civil war and the resulting massive civilian displacement. It is an account of frontline conditions during a critical period and an overview of the alternating warfare and ceasefires during the last fifteen years.

William Clarance analyses the scope for protecting civilians in a war zone and its implications for UN policy. He argues that Washington's bullying of the UN ironically proves the points it seeks to demolish: the indispensibility of UN legitimacy and the professionalism of its field agencies.

He urges the need to adopt a more actively engaged role to protect civilians in intrastate conflict, the better to address global problems such as the outflow of refugees and asylum seekers it triggers and the seeds of international terrorism it sows.