This lecture will discuss a classical issue for international relations and political theory: the ethics of war. It will exemplify the role of norms in warfare and discuss the major dilemmas that armies, politicians, and civilians are facing in throughout history, with a specific focus on contemporary challenges. Its approach is mainly interdisciplinary, drawing insights from moral and political philosophy, international law and international relations. By analyzing case studies, we will address the legitimacy of resorting to war, we will discuss legally and morally the coherence of certain rationales and principles aiming at justifying the use of force, and finally we will explore future challenges of the field (cyberwar, artificial intelligence). Ultimately, the course aims at providing the students with concepts and references they can deploy to build their own argument on justice and war.
Marie KWON,Adrien ESTÈVE
Cours magistral seul
English
Autumn 2022-2023
- Groupwork (groups of three, essay on a topic chosen from a list provided by the instructor to be submitted before session 7): 40% of the final grade;
- Final exam during session 12 (date to be confirmed): 60% of the final grade
Michael Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars – A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations, New York, Basic Books, (numerous reeditions) (mandatory)