In Just and Unjust Wars, Michael Walzer explores the moral evaluation of war, arguing against the realist paradigm that places no restrictions on warfare, instead setting criteria for justifications of war (jus ad bellum) and conduct in war (jus in bello). He outlines legitimate cases for wartime intervention and condemns targeting noncombatants and employing terror tactics, proposing a stringent moral framework to decide the justice of war actions. The book addresses potentially distressing themes such as war crimes, terrorism, and nuclear warfare.

Michael Walzer's Just and Unjust Wars is widely praised for its profound analysis of morality in war, blending theory with historical examples. Critics commend its accessible writing and stimulating arguments, though some note the interpretations of cases can be selective. Nonetheless, the book is celebrated as essential reading in ethics and international relations.

Readers of Just and Unjust Wars by Michael Walzer are typically academics, military ethicists, and political science enthusiasts who are interested in the moral philosophy of war. Comparable to audiences of On War by Carl von Clausewitz and The Republic by Plato, they appreciate rigorous ethical debates and historical case studies.

Informative / Contemplative / Challenging / Mysterious

- Just and Unjust Wars by Michael Walzer is renowned for popularizing the concept of "the moral reality of war," which emphasizes analyzing war ethics as they are practiced, rather than as abstract theories.
- The book has had a significant impact on military ethics discussions and is frequently cited in discussions around the ethics of intervention and humanitarian wars.
- Michael Walzer utilizes historical occurrences and literary references, such as examples from Thucydides and Shakespeare, to explore the complexities of wartime morality.

Michael Walzer

Adult

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Study Guide

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Overview

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Just and Unjust Wars Summary and Study Guide

Background

Just and Unjust Wars Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, “The Moral Reality of War”

Preface-Part 1

Just and Unjust Wars Preface-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “The Theory of Aggression”

Part 2 Just and Unjust Wars Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, “The War Convention”

Part 3 Just and Unjust Wars Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, “Dilemmas of War”

Part 4 Just and Unjust Wars Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5, “The Question of Responsibility”

Part 5-Postscript

Just and Unjust Wars Part 5-Postscript Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

Just and Unjust Wars Key Figures

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Themes

Just and Unjust Wars Themes

Index of Terms

Just and Unjust Wars Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

Just and Unjust Wars Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Just and Unjust Wars Essay Topics

Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument With Historical Illustrations

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Just and Unjust Wars?

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Book Details