Just War Theory and Literary Studies: An Invitation to Dialogue

This book explores Just War Theory in the context of recent American accounts of the experience of war, analyzing the jus ad bellum criteria and jus in bello to understand when and why war is justified.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 169 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the complex and multifaceted issue of when, why, and how individuals and societies should engage in warfare or choose to abstain from conflict in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. To accomplish this, it explores the concept of Just War Theory (JWT) in conjunction with recent American accounts of the war experience. The book begins by examining the jus ad bellum criteria of just war, which include the right intention, legitimate authority, just cause, probability of success, and last resort. It then delves into jus in bello, or the law that governs the conduct of warfare. By combining just-war ethics with in-depth examinations of significant works of American war writing from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, this study offers a groundbreaking reflection on how JWT and literary studies can mutually enrich and inform one another.

The book raises important questions about the ethical and practical implications of warfare in the post-9/11 world. It challenges traditional notions of just war and explores the complexities of determining when military action is justified and necessary. It also examines the impact of war on individuals, societies, and the international community, highlighting the human costs and the long-term consequences of conflict.

Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book provides a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the complexities of war and its impact on contemporary society. It offers a fresh perspective on the role of literature and philosophy in shaping our understanding of war and provides insights into the ways in which JWT can be applied to contemporary conflicts.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of military ethics and literary studies. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the ethical and practical considerations of warfare in the post-9/11 world. By combining just-war ethics with a literary analysis of war writing, it provides a rich and insightful perspective on the complexities of this critical issue.

Weight: 253g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030798659
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021