Description
Book SynopsisThe idea that war is sometimes justified is deeply embedded in public consciousness. But it is only credible so long as we believe that the ethical standards of just war are in fact realizable in practice.
In this engaging book, Christopher Finlay elucidates the assumptions underlying just war theory and defends them from a range of objections, arguing that it is a regrettable but necessary reflection of the moral realities of international politics. Using a range of historical and contemporary examples, he demonstrates the necessity of employing the theory on the basis of careful moral appraisal of real-life political landscapes and striking a balance between theoretical ideals and the practical realities of conflict.
This book will be a crucial guide to the complexities of just war theory for all students and scholars of the ethics and political theory of war.
Trade Review"It has become common to criticise just war theory (and just war theorists) for being overly abstract, and thus for offering little practical guidance to citizens, politicians, and combatants. That is not a criticism one can level at Finlay's book. On the contrary, his rich and illuminating account of the conditions under which war is just - or at least less unjust than not fighting at all, or fighting without restraint - is anchored in a nuanced and sensitive awareness of the moral and political realities of warfare."
—Cecile Fabre, All Souls College, Oxford
"This book is an excellent primer on contemporary just war debates. Well written, cogently explained and up-to-date, its argument is compelling and it will be a must read for all students of just war theory."
—Alex Bellamy, The University of Queensland
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Preface
Chapter 1: Ideas and Ideals of the Just War
Chapter 2: The Just War Creed
Chapter 3: ‘Just cause’ and the possibility of jus ad bellum
Chapter 4: Fighting Just Wars: Balancing Ends and Means
Chapter 5: Conclusion: Just Wars, Ideal and Non-Ideal
References
Notes
