This work would not have been possible without the assistance, guidance, patience, and understanding of many fine people. It would be impossible to pay appropriate attention to the contributions of each in this brief statement. The contributions of a few, however, cannot go unmentioned.
Professor Alfred P. Rubin of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, whom I met when he held the Stockton Chair of International Law at the Naval War College, through his support, guidance, and encouragement, more than anyone else, has made completion of this effort possible. The quality of this work is in large part the result of Professor Rubin's advice and counsel. Its deficiencies are my own.
Together with his colleagues the late Professor Leo Gross of the Fletcher School and Howard S. Levie, Professor Emeritus of the St. Louis University School of Law and Adjunct Professor (for life) at the Naval War College, Professor Rubin provided me with an understanding of not only the meaning of the law but more importantly its inescapable influence upon international relations in general. It was with Professor Levie that I began this work. I wrote its first draft as a paper for his law of war course at Naval War College. Since then, the Howard S. Levie Chair of Military Operational Law has been named in his honor. I received, more than instruction, inspiration from this gifted and insightful trio of gentlemen lawyers who nurtured the interest in the law which resulted in the present work. These men provided me with a perspective on the international scene and the effect of international law on my profession which prepared me for my duties in a manner few are afforded.
Mr. Frank Uhlig, Jr., long time Editor, now Editor Emeritus, of the Naval War College Press provided opportunities and encouragement for--and recommendations to improve--my writing since we first met in the early 80's. His personal help with the manuscript was indispensible.
The greatest gifts these four men bestowed upon me are their patience with my shortcomings and their friendship despite them.
Ms. Melissa Stack, my research assistant at National War College when the final draft was prepared also deserves special mention. Her hours in the library made it possible to finish this, carry a full teaching load, and fulfill my responsibilities in the Dean's Office.
Finally, my wife Ann and our three children, Alex, Noel, and Sean, gave me the support, patience, and understanding which made the long hours away from them--even though working in the same house--possible. Ann frequently assumed the thankless roles of proofreader and style editor. Each of the children took their turn in the essential but lackluster task of "gofer". Later, Alex personally made the completion of this work possible. He put his college education in "Information Systems" to work to help me defeat my most formidable adversary in this effort--my computer.
Most importantly though, the family sacrificed opportunities that will never come again to give me the chance to fulfill this goal. I can never adequately repay this gift of love.