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: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Introduction:
The concept of moral injury has gained significant attention in recent years, as military personnel are increasingly deployed to complex and challenging environments. Moral injury refers to the psychological and emotional toll that can result from exposure to morally challenging situations, such as witnessing violence, engaging in combat, or encountering the loss of colleagues or friends. 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 will critically evaluate the concepts premises and implications of moral injury and explore the moral, political, and societal dimensions of this phenomenon. The book will also contribute to practical efforts aimed at preventing moral injury and promoting the well-being of military personnel.
Methodology:
To achieve these aims, the book will draw on the experiences of close to a hundred Dutch veterans deployed to Bosnia (Srebrenica) and Afghanistan. The veterans will be interviewed and their stories will be analyzed from the perspectives of psychology, philosophy, theology, and social sciences. The book will also consider the broader political context in which these deployments took place, including the role of military policies, public perceptions, and media coverage.
Expected Outcomes:
The expected outcomes of this book are numerous. First, it will provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of moral injury that can be used by scholars, policymakers, and military personnel. Second, it will critically evaluate the concepts premises and implications of moral injury, and explore the moral, political, and societal dimensions of this phenomenon. Third, the book will contribute to practical efforts aimed at preventing moral injury and promoting the well-being of military personnel.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book will be of much interest to students of ethics and war, cultural anthropology, conflict studies, and international relations. It will provide a valuable contribution to the literature on moral injury and promote a deeper understanding of the psychological and emotional toll that can result from exposure to morally challenging situations. The book will also contribute to practical efforts aimed at preventing moral injury and promoting the well-being of military personnel.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 233 x 156 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367546380