1. The laws. The ancient world -- The medieval world -- The modern age -- 2. The reasons why : violators and observers. The My Lai massacre -- Values and attitudes -- External forces -- The problem of illegal orders and the crisis of conscience -- 3. Some conclusions and recommendations -- Appendix 1. Cobra strike -- Appendix 2. The enemy in your hands -- Appendix 3. Key portions of the Geneva Protocols of 1977.