Review Essays

• Mälksoo, Lauri 1

Abstract

In this review essay, two recent books, one analysing the question of the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014 directly and the other in the context of changing geopolitics and world order, are discussed. Parallels with war pamphlets in the 18th century, authored by Olaus Hermelin and Petr Shafirov in the context of the Great Nordic War, are drawn. Rein Müllerson’s suggestion that the world should return to balance-of-power politics in the context of international law is rejected.

• 1Professor of International Law, University of Tartu, Estonia