The writing of this book has been a long journey, started in Italy almost four years ago, passing through London, and concluded under the sun of South-East Asia, and I would have never reached my destination without the incredible help and support I received. First of all, I must thank Professor Sergio Dellavalle, for the constant trust and support provided, for offering his insightful and constructive advice throughout this elaboration and for inspiring me to always strive for (at the very least) perfection. Without his guide, his patience and his wisdom this book would have never become reality. I am also indebted to my professors at the Centre for Transitional Legal Studies and at the School of Oriental and African Studies, for teaching me that my opinion counts, and for training me to approach every subject and every opinion, especially my own, with a critical and open mind. In this context, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Professor David Luban, not only for reading the first version of this book, and responding with much-needed words of encouragement, but also for being such a model of competence, kindness and passion. A big thanks goes to my family, whom despite the distance I have never felt so close. Finally, I want to thank Elia, for having accompanied me, with astonishing patience, through this and many other journeys, and for sharing with me his strength and determination. To him this book is dedicated.