Chapter 1 The use of force between states before 1815 - the sovereign right to use war.- Chapter 2 The use of force between states - 1815 to 1914.- Chapter 3 The use force between states - 1919 to 1939.- Chapter 4 Charter of the United Nations 1945.- Chapter 5 The existing scholarly debate and judicial developments in self-defence.- Chapter 6 State practice in self-defence since 1945.- Chapter 7 Conclusion.- Documents.- Bibliography.- Books and Texts.- Articles.- Index.