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This classic introduction to the ethics of war and peace explores in depth the legal and moral issues of when and how to use force to achieve political objectives. A detailed overview and critical, philosophical analysis — written by a professional soldier with over 25 years of commissioned service — it surveys the historical development of just war reasoning, its incorporation into the international laws concerning when and how to wage war, and the specific shortcomings with existing laws and practices concerning the conduct of modern-day hostilities. Explores the often-conflicting moral and legal obligations that officers and soldiers have when ordered to fight in wars they believe to be unjust. Contains many recent examples — e.g., Gulf War, interventions in Bosnia, Haiti, Somalia. Addresses the moral and legal issues surrounding UN peacekeeping and peacemaking missions. Examines certain problematic aspects of the international laws of war and the just war tradition — e.g., obedience to superior orders, military necessity and reprisals. Shows that although many international laws currently in force are outdated (e.g., those prohibiting the use of barbed spears and glass bullets), the just war principles on which they are based can be used to formulate new laws more suitable to modern tactics and technology (e.g., flamethrowers and nerve agents). Highlights the influence of the Christian religion (both positive and negative) on the development of both the just war tradition and existing international law. For anyone interested in the ethics of war and peace.

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