Comparative Just War Theory

From philosophical debates to classroom discussions, just war theory focuses myopically on Christian (most often Catholic) and Western conceptions. The typical progression takes one from Augustine to Thomas Aquinas to a pastoral letter from the US National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Largely ignored are voices and perspectives outside this tradition. This book redresses this problem and fills significant gaps resulting from this narrow focus. Comprising 12 essays and an introduction by the editors, the collection covers an impressive range of perspectives on just war theory. Some essays deal with different theoretical perspectives—including anarchism, pacifism, feminism, and Marxism-Leninism. Other essays address various cultural approaches, including those of non-Western religions (Islam, Buddhism, Confucianism) and from diverse areas of the world (Africa, India, Asia, and Central America). Unlike many philosophy books, this one was written to be accessible to a wide audience. An important book for anyone interested in the moral bases for the use of military force. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals; general readers. * Choice Reviews *
This is a much-needed volume on just war theory from multicultural perspectives. It will be a very useful resource for students in a globalized world. -- Chenyang Li, author of Reshaping Confucianism: A Progressive Inquiry
Just war theory in the Anglophone world has been largely informed—and limited—by the Christian and liberal traditions. This book paves the way for a truly global approach to theorizing about just war. -- Daniel A. Bell, Shandong University, author of The China Model
These stimulating and diverse essays—well-curated from traditionally under-represented perspectives—advance our thinking about the ethics of war and peace. -- Brian Orend, University of Waterloo, and author of War and Political Theory