Military and law enforcement authorities have found themselves constrained by inadequate weaponry. An emerging category of 'non-lethal weapons' carries promise for resolving this dilemma, proffering new capabilities for disabling opponents without inflicting death or permanent injury. This book explores the emerging world of non-lethal weapons by examining a series of case studies - recent real-world scenarios from five confrontations around the world where the availability of a modern arsenal might have made a difference.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 167-189) and index.

The world of non-lethal weapons -- The law of non-lethal weapons -- The FBI and the Davidians at Waco in 1993 -- The United Nations and the Rwandan genocide in 1994 -- The Peruvians and Tupac Amaru in Lima in 1996-1997 -- The Russians and the Chechens in Moscow in 2002 -- The British and the Iraqis in Basra in 2003 -- Cautionary considerations.