Ending War: A Dialogue across Disciplines

Ending War: A Dialogue across Disciplines explores how wars end from a multidisciplinary perspective, addressing questions about ethical responsibilities, strategic objectives, historical arguments, and international law. The book reconsiders the nature of scientific method in war studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Ending War: A Dialogue across Disciplines delves into the complex dynamics of war termination, exploring how wars come to an end from a multidisciplinary perspective. It encompasses inquiries into the politics of war, the laws of war, and the military and intellectual history of war. In the face of evolving warfare, uncertainties have arisen across various disciplines regarding the identification and conceptualization of the end of war. These uncertainties prompt a range of thought-provoking questions: How do philosophers define ethical responsibilities in both belligerent and post-bellum periods when the boundary between war and peace becomes blurred? How do strategists formulate their objectives when the teleology of action becomes uncertain? How do historians contextualize known war endings and examine the arguments that preceded them? What answers can international law provide for ending wars, and what challenges remain or have recently emerged?

This volume aims to address these critical inquiries and facilitate a deeper understanding of how the concept of "the end" informs our understanding of war in international relations, international law, and history. Moreover, it encourages a reevaluation of the nature of scientific method in the field of war studies. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of The Journal of Strategic Studies, showcasing the insights and perspectives of esteemed scholars from diverse disciplines.

The politics of war play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of conflicts. Political leaders, policymakers, and international actors engage in complex negotiations, diplomacy, and coercion to achieve their strategic objectives and bring about the end of war. The chapters in this volume explore the various political dimensions of war termination, including the role of international organizations, power dynamics, and the influence of ideology. They examine how political decisions and strategic choices contribute to the initiation, continuation, and resolution of wars.

The laws of war are instrumental in regulating the conduct of war and protecting the rights and dignity of individuals during armed conflicts. The chapters in this volume examine the legal frameworks and principles that govern warfare, including the Geneva Conventions, the Hague Conventions, and customary international law. They explore how legal norms and treaties shape the behavior of states and military actors, and how they contribute to the termination of wars.

The military and intellectual history of war provides valuable insights into the evolution of warfare strategies, technologies, and ideologies. The chapters in this volume examine the historical context, causes, and consequences of wars, including the role of military leaders, technological advancements, and cultural factors. They explore how military history influences the understanding of war termination and the development of peace-building efforts.

In conclusion, Ending War: A Dialogue across Disciplines offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics of war termination. By bringing together scholars from diverse fields, it provides a rich and multifaceted perspective on the end of war. The book addresses critical questions and challenges that arise in the context of evolving warfare, contributing to our understanding of war, international relations, and history. It encourages a reevaluation of the nature of scientific method in the field of war studies and promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing the complex challenges of war termination.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032148885