Moral Constraints on War: Principles and Cases

(Paperback, Third Edition)

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This third edition of Moral Constraints on War offers a principle by principle presentation of the ethics of war as is found in the age-old tradition of the Just War. Parts one and two trace the evolution of Just War Theory, analyzing the principles of jus ad bellum and jus in bello: the principles that determine the conditions under which it is just to start a war and then conduct military operations. Each chapter provides a historical background of the principle under discussion and an in-depth analysis of its meaning. More so than in the previous editions, there is a special focus on the transcultural nature of the principles. Besides theoretical clarifications, each of the principles is also put to the test with numerous historical and contemporary examples. In Part three, Just War Theory is applied in three specific case studies: the use of the atomic bomb against Japan in World War II, the Korean War (1950-53), and the use of armed drones in the "war on terror." Bringing together an international coterie of philosophers and political scientists, this accessible and practical guide offers both students of military ethics and of international relations rich, up-to-date insights into the pluralistic character of Just War Theory.

Reviews

This classic book is deservedly in its third, reinforced, and re-vitalized edition. The message is the same: fight only just wars, with due restraint, aiming throughout for nothing less than safe and lasting peace. -- Patrick Mileham, International Society for Military Ethics

Author Bio

Bruno Coppieters is professor of political science at Free University of Brussels.

Nicholas Fotion is emeritus professor of philosophy at Emory University.

Carl Ceulemans is professor of ethics and head of the department of behavioral sciences at the Belgian Royal Military Academy.