The Morality of War

by Brian Orend

Brian Orend's popular introduction to just war theory has been updated to reflect recent technological and political developments.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, War, Military Fiction, International Relations

344 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2006

Reviews

[Oliver Hodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me ages to read!
Despite that it was an excellent consideration of Just War Theory, and an update on it for current day. War theory and morality is probably not something that I have been able to delve in to, having big pacifist leanings and not being able to systematise the moral and historical cases that might be brought to bear when considering the morality of war.


I am sure that this is not the final word on the issue, but for where I am at, I thought that the text was thorough, considered and sufficient to convince me of the conditions that one might wage war, and considering a commitment to the defence of human rights in the stages of war from justifying the decision to start, to waging war, to concluding it with a lasting peace, I thought the text got there. At all times there was a consideration of the complexity of humanity and warfare, and even the difference between an ideal morality and an effective one. Even with allowing a just war in Orend’s formulation, there were strict and achievable behaviours that could be pursued in minimising the harm of war while still achieving just goals.

I think that this book will forever help me evaluate war, state actors, and leaders in terms of what I felt was a coherent framework.

Thanks!

[Carlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting and detailed look at the Just War theory and its competing alternatives of Realism and Pacifism. Orend breaks down his analysis into jus ad bellum, jus in bello and jus post bellum corresponding to justice in going to war, in waging it and in forging peace. Throughout each discussing he explores both the philosophical tenets involved as well as the myriad historical examples focusing mostly on WWII and later conflicts. While he attempts to address new military technologies such as cyber war, he readily admits that it’s fast current evolution makes for a difficult definitive argument but lays down ways in which it can be incorporated into Just War theory. Overall the book was quite interesting if a little dry, but Orend does make the reader think deeply about when violence is guaranteed and the limits that should be placed upon the waging of war.

[Michael Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orend provides an excellent overview of the strengths and weaknesses of just war theory, as well as considering the viability of alternative theories like realism and pacifism. I thought he too quickly amputated religion as a variable for discussion in consideration of pacifism but he still recognized merits of both pacifism and realism that are incorporated in just war theory. I appreciated his identifying areas in which just war theory fills in gaps left unfilled in international law.

[Josh Couch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has had one of the most profound impacts on me than any other book has done before. As I prepare for a profession of military service, this book will be influencing a lot of how I shape my future decisions.

[Enara Pérez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Useful information but I didn't quite enjoy the reading itself.

[Anna Filoso · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very informative

[Andrew Pixton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The leading text in philosophy on Just War Theory. The 'pro-war' philosophy in contrast to competing theories of pacifism and realism, meaning that war is permissible or obligatory in certain circumstances. This is the ethical rules of war, or how to have a moral war. Orend here represents the theory well and in its most complete and comprehensive form and does so with simplicity and conciseness that is rare for philosophy, making this an easy read for those unacquainted with the field. It's readable for the layman. He starts with a review of the history of the theory of itself, he divorces it from its religious upbringing to make it more objective, logical, and broadly appealing. He then breaks it down into three parts: The beginning or entering of war, the war itself, and the aftermath cleanup. He uses well researched historical examples to enunciate each point and then challenges pacifism and realism. It's also notable for its evaluation of the war on terror and terrorism in general, which was new to JWT.

You know a book is good when it changes my views. I went in as a pacifist but had to concede that I would permit war in cases of things like genocide. That's the difference between a pacifist, who has an absolute stance against war, and a JWT who permits it even if under extreme and rare circumstances. I agree with Orend on most things but consider his treatment of post-war colonialism too soft and brief. In supreme emergencies, I waver between Option #3 Strict Respect For Jus in Bello (it's based on Kant and Socrates- two of my favorites) and Option #5 Moral Tragedy, Prudential Strategy. Though I think Options 4 & 5 were similar enough that he could've combined them, he didn't need to create his own #5.

[Brandon Peters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an interesting and fair discussion on war and how it ought to be conducted, according to the theory of Just War. I liked how thorough Orend discussed each phase of war-starting war, during war, and ending war-and, likewise, gave interesting and fair discussions to the pacifist and realist counter theories. I appreciated that he even appreciated the pacifist and realist contributions to shaping our attitudes about war, while graciously pointing out their inconsistencies. (Neither did he neglect discussing a few of Just War theory's own difficulties.)

This book is easily readable in that he uses conversational English, but still demanding in that it's fairly dense and takes some time to digest. I was impressed by the thoroughness and honesty I felt Orend applied in writing this book. I left convinced that this is the best and most realistic perspective on conducting war, though there is always work to be done to ensure the most people receive the best justice. (By justice I mean to both the victims of aggressors of war, by protecting them and saving their lives, and to the aggressors of war, by preventing them from victimizing people)

[William "Spig" · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally agree with the book description. The book is getting a little dated. I would love to hear from the author on his views of ISIS which is conducting aggression in an unjust fashion and hybrid warfare where the state sponsorship of warfare aka little green men in Ukraine and the build up in the pacific. Are we antagonizing the Chinese to respond to our shift IOT be able to protect their people against aggression. My last question would be if China invaded Taiwan or any of the other disputed island on the premise of civil war would the jus in bellum principles still apply. The timing of this book was perfect for me in my development before I head out to work in the Middle East.

[Prestonage · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most clearly written and explained philosophy book I have ever read, which is a blessing within the field. The book also changed me from a die-hard pacifist to agreeing wholly with Orend. What more can you ask from a philosophy book?