This course aims to provide a critical exploration of the ethical issues raised by contemporary war(fare) through the lens of just war theory. On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the different theoretical approaches to war.
• Describe and explain the basic criteria of just war theory.
• Utilize these criteria to develop and defend moral judgements of historical and contemporary cases.
• Critically engage with contemporary debates within just war theory.
• Form an informed opinion on the issues and approaches discussed and support it by argument.
• Identify future directions and challenges for just war theory.

War is pure horror, causing widespread fear, suffering, destruction and a massive loss of lives. And yet, it remains an indisputable part of our world. Everyone can see the disturbing footage of today’s warzones, e.g. Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, South Sudan, Ukraine, Israel and Gaza. War is one of the main global challenges, and it raises all sorts of important and interesting questions: Is war always morally wrong? Or is it sometimes justified or even a smart thing to do? Is there a fair way to wage war? And if so, how should soldiers behave and what weapons can they use? How should the peace be rebuilt afterwards, does it involve changing unjust regimes, and who should be in charge? What defines terrorism? Can it ever be justified? And what is wrong about torture?
 
The past decades saw a rise in philosophical interest in the moral issues raised by war. This course provides an introduction to three major theoretical approaches to war (realism, pacifism, just war theory) and explores, in more detail, the three branches of contemporary just war theory: jus ad bellum, jus in bello, and jus post bellum. Subtopics of the course will include aggression and self-defense, humanitarian interventions, subsistence wars, the principle of discrimination, the moral equality of combatants, drones and automated weapons, post war obligations, regime change, criminal responsibility, terrorism, and torture.