The 2012 Sussex International Theory Prize has been awarded to Helen M. Kinsella (University of Madison-Wisconsin) for her book, The Image Before the Weapon: a Critical History of the Distinction between Combatant and Civilian (Cornell University Press, 2011).

Kinsella explores the diverse political and social implications of the principle of distinction between combatant and civilian in international political and legal thought and practice. Across a number of domains - international law, the history and theory of warfare, gender, and imperialism - The Image Before the Weapon demonstrates enormous originality, quality and rigor. The book is outstanding in its theoretical, historical, and empirical ambition and achievements as well as in its significance for current international politics. It provides a brilliant demonstration of the kind of fundamental research CAIT wishes to value and showcase.

Professor Kinsella's lecture was cancelled due to a Campus closure.  She will deliver her lecture in Autumn 2014.