Moral Injury and Soldiers in Conflict: Political Practices and Public Perceptions

The book explores the concept of moral injury among military veterans of combat and peace missions, drawing on the experiences of Dutch veterans deployed to Bosnia and Afghanistan. It critically evaluates the premises and implications of moral injury and aims to advance understanding of its moral, political, and societal dimensions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
In recent years, the concept of moral injury has gained significant attention in the field of psychology, philosophy, and theology, as researchers and practitioners explore the potential moral implications of deployment in military and peacekeeping operations. Moral injury refers to the psychological and spiritual harm that can occur when individuals are exposed to situations that violate their moral values or expectations, often as a result of witnessing or participating in acts of violence or injustice. While the concept of moral injury has been widely discussed in the academic literature, there is still a need for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of this phenomenon.
Aims and Objectives:
The primary aim of this book is to advance an interdisciplinary understanding of moral injury by analyzing the stories of military veterans of combat and peace missions. The book seeks to critically evaluate the concepts, premises, and implications of moral injury and to provide a compassionate and urgent picture of the moral impact of soldiers' deployment experience. Additionally, the book aims to contribute to practical efforts aimed at preventing moral injury and promoting well-being among military personnel.
Methodology:
To achieve these aims, the book draws on the experiences of close to a hundred Dutch veterans deployed to Bosnia (Srebrenica) and Afghanistan. The veterans' stories are analyzed from the perspectives of psychology, philosophy, theology, and social sciences, using a multidisciplinary approach. The book employs a qualitative research methodology, which involves conducting in-depth interviews with the veterans and analyzing their narratives using thematic analysis.
Findings:
The findings of the book are insightful and compelling. The veterans' stories reveal the profound moral and psychological impact of deployment, including feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal, as well as difficulties in adjusting to civilian life and reintegrating into society. The book also highlights the role of political practices and public perceptions in moral injury, emphasizing the need for policymakers and society to prioritize the well-being of military personnel and address the moral consequences of deployment.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book advances an interdisciplinary understanding of moral injury by analyzing the stories of military veterans of combat and peace missions. The book provides a critical evaluation of the concepts, premises, and implications of moral injury and contributes to practical efforts aimed at preventing moral injury and promoting well-being among military personnel. The book will be of much interest to students of ethics and war, cultural anthropology, conflict studies, and international relations.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 159 x 244 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367546359