50 pages 1 hour read

Michael Walzer

Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument With Historical Illustrations

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1976

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Essay Topics

1.

Walzer draws from many historical sources for examples of just and unjust wars. Choose two examples from each side and explain why Walzer considers the wars just or unjust.

2.

When can a foreign power justly intervene militarily in another state? In your view, are the exceptions to the rule against intervention too permissive or restrictive? Use a contemporary or historical example (it does not have to be in the text) in your response.

3.

How does the war convention reconcile the prohibition on killing noncombatants with military necessity? In what ways would Walzer revise this reconciliation? Which is the better approach?