This book presents a clear and comprehensive introduction to thediverse and wide-ranging ethical aspects of war and peace. In afair-minded and engaging analysis, Nigel Dower introduces thedifferent ethical theories in traditional and contemporary debates– realism, just war theory and pacifism – and subjectseach to detailed critical scrutiny. He frames these debates withina related but distinct framework of three approaches tointernational relations, namely skeptical realism, internationalismand cosmopolitanism. The book also identifies and evaluates twofurther important perspectives, militarism and pacificism. Whilstanalyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the differentoutlooks, Dower makes a strong case for a cosmopolitan pacificistposition, arguing that we need to see peace in more positive termsthan merely the absence of war. The book uses a wide range ofexamples from across the world and includes discussion of nuclearweapons, new wars, terrorism, humanitarian intervention and humansecurity. Written as a textbook for students who have no prior knowledgeof philosophical ethics, The Ethics of War and Peace isdesigned to help students understand and see the relevance of how aprofessional philosopher can engage ethically with the world. Eachchapter contains a helpful survey of its contents at the beginningand a set of questions for individual reflection or groupdiscussion at the end. This book will be essential reading for students of securitystudies, conflict resolution, peace studies, philosophy andpolitical theory and anyone interested in the ethical questionswhich arise from the study of war and peace.
