This chapter outlines the monograph's overarching research objective, which is to demonstrate that, through being contextualised within the framework of Habermas' constitutional cosmopolitan approach and providing a prospective footing for the constitutionalisation and grounding of cosmopolitan ethical norms, the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine reflects a shift towards a more cosmopolitan approach to human protection in the post-Cold War period. The chapter explains the decision to undertake this research objective; outlines the three major contributions the monograph makes to the existing literature on R2P and contemporary forms of cosmopolitan theory; explains the decision to focus on human protection—a consequence of the doctrine's engagement with atrocity prevention and incorporation of the principles of distributive global justice—and provides a synopsis of each individual chapter in the book.