Can war be just in the 21st century?

Book Description

In an era marked by technological warfare, global terrorism, and complex international conflicts, ancient moral frameworks face unprecedented challenges. This scholarly exploration examines whether the Christian just war tradition, which has guided political and military decisions for seventeen centuries, remains relevant in our contemporary world.

Drawing together insights from leading international scholars, this volume tackles the pressing ethical questions that define modern conflict. How do we apply traditional moral principles to drone warfare, proxy conflicts, and environmental destruction caused by military action? What guidance does just war theory offer when confronting genocide, nuclear proliferation, or the treatment of torture victims and returning soldiers?

Rather than offering abstract theological discussions, these essays ground moral theory in concrete historical examples, demonstrating how ethical frameworks translate into real-world decisions. The contributors examine specific contemporary challenges including cluster munitions, the "responsibility to protect" doctrine, and the moral obligations societies hold toward veterans.

For readers seeking to understand how spiritual and moral traditions can inform our response to global violence, this work provides a thoughtful bridge between ancient wisdom and modern dilemmas. The book invites reflection on how enduring ethical principles might guide nations and individuals as they navigate the complex moral landscape of twenty-first-century warfare.

This examination speaks to anyone wrestling with questions of justice, moral responsibility, and the role of faith in addressing global conflicts.