The United Service Institution of India was founded in 1870 by a soldier scholar, Colonel (later Major General) Sir Charles MacGregor. The story of its growth is the story of the growth of the Indian Armed Forces. It was founded for ‘furtherance of interest and knowledge in the art, science and literature of the Defence Services.’
About the Monograph
| This monograph examines the escalating challenges of protecting civilians amid the evolving character of modern conflict. It highlights how urban warfare, prolonged civil wars, widespread displacement, new technologies, and deliberate violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) have intensified civilian suffering. The work emphasises the growing gap between legal norms and battlefield realities, particularly with the rise of cyber warfare, autonomous weapons, misinformation, and non-state armed groups. Drawing on global examples such as Gaza, Ukraine, South Sudan and other conflict theatres, the monograph underscores the devastating humanitarian impact of explosive weapons in populated areas and the erosion of respect for established IHL principles. It stresses the urgent need for strengthened accountability, improved civilian protection mechanisms, and deeper international cooperation. The volume calls for renewed commitment to IHL, enhanced peacekeeping capabilities, and innovative strategies to ensure that humanitarian obligations remain central in contemporary and future conflicts. |