The Code of the Warrior: Exploring Warrior Values Past and Present

(Paperback, 3rd edition)

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Combining ethics, history, and psychology, The Code of the Warrior examines historical and contemporary warrior cultures, arguing that todays warriors need a code to navigate the moral line between soldier and killer.

Exploring the roots of military ethics, this third edition of The Code of the Warrior furthers author Shannon French's argument that modern troops need a code to shield their humanity as they endure the horrors of war. Stories of ancient Greek and Roman soldiers, Chinese warrior monks, Vikings, Celts, Japanese samurai, medieval European knights, Islamic warriors, and Zulu warriors combine with contemporary perspectives on modern day warfare's latest technologies and power structures to present a truly global and timeless case for the exercise of restraint in warfareprimarily for the benefit of those doing the fighting. This third edition includes updated first and last chapters addressing the need for warrior codes throughout history and in today's military climate. A new chapter on the famous Zulu warrior Chief Shaka makes the important distinction between a warrior and a strongman. Incorporating philosophy with history, religion, anthropology, sociology, and moral psychology, French addresses concepts like honor, courage, commitment, sacrifice, duty, and loss, which resonate within and beyond military service. She also presents thoughtful answers to complex questions such as: Why should one side of a conflict show restraint if the other side does not How can a command climate become corrupted What is the difference between a warrior and a murderer, or a terrorist, or a strongman How do changes in technology affect the conduct of war The topics explored in this volume have real-world implications and applications, and French provides analysis grounded in her own decades of work with and for members of the U.S. military, as well as her extensive, international scholarship in military ethics. It is a must-read book for anyone interested in how wars can be fought ethically and how warriors can be spared the worst moral injury that comes from betraying their own chosen core values.

Reviews

With amazingly smooth writing, this absorbing and valuable book studies the ethics governing warriors throughout history. Written with impressive erudition, balance, and wit, it will be agreeable reading for warriors, warriors in training, or anyone interested in their welfare. (from previous edition) * Publishers Weekly *
This excellent work is worthwhile reading for military personnel and individuals interested in ethics. Highly recommended. (from previous edition) * Library Journal *
Waiting until the fog of war has descended is too late to determine where the thin line between warrior and murderer is drawn. In The Code of the Warrior, French enlightens our thinking on this important question, offering fascinating historical examples and the kind of penetrating analysis that can only come from a philosopher devoted to the character development of our future warriors. -- Admiral Leon A. Edney, U.S.N. (Retired); former commander-in-chief, U.S. Atlantic Command
Without the internalized code of conduct French so eloquently describes, the combination of emotion and vastly superior U.S. military power puts our warriors at risk of becoming arrogant, detached, and in some ways like the enemies they despise. Her work is both timely and timeless. -- Captain Karl M. Hasslinger, U.S.N. (Retired)
Relying on her extensive knowledge of the history of warrior cultures, starting with the Greeks and Trojans, Shannon French has produced an outstanding work that will be of great value to the fledgling warrior, the current practitioner, or the veteran reflecting on his past performance. This book is an important text for anyone involved in warfare, which now includes almost everyone in a society confronting terrorism. -- Vice Admiral Jerry Miller, U.S.N. (Retired)
From start to finish, The Code of the Warrior has powerful and useful applications for all service members and law enforcement officers. But French's book is more than a must-read for those who carry weapons in service to their nationnow, as we enter into a clash of cultures with a War on Terrorism, this book charts the path for honorable conduct for our entire nation. It should be read by every politician and concerned citizen. -- Lt. Col. David Grossman, author of On Killing

Author Bio

Shannon E. French is the Inamori Professor in Ethics, director of the Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence, and a professor in philosophy and law at Case Western Reserve University, USA. Prior to CWRU, she taught for eleven years at the United States Naval Academy. She founded the first MA program in Military Ethics at CWRU, works globally with the US and allied military, service academies, and chaplain corps, and held the General Hugh Shelton Distinguished Visiting Chair in Ethics for seven years. Her core fields are military ethics and ethical issues in emerging technology.