Moral Dilemmas of Modern War: Torture, Assassination, and Blackmail in an Age of Asymmetric Conflict

Description

Asymmetric conflict is changing the way that we practise and think about war. Torture, rendition, assassination, blackmail, extortion, direct attacks on civilians, and chemical weapons are all finding their way to the battlefield despite longstanding international prohibitions. This book offers a practical guide for policy makers, military officers, students, and others who ask such questions as: do guerillas deserve respect or long jail sentences? Are there grounds to torture guerillas for information or assassinate them on the battlefield? Is there room for nonlethal weapons to subdue militants and safeguard the lives of noncombatants? Who are noncombatants in asymmetric war? What is the status of civilians who shelter and aid guerillas? And, do guerillas have any right to attack civilians, particularly those who aid and shelter members of the stronger army? If one side can expand the scope of civilian vulnerability, then why can't the other?

Michael L. Gross is Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of International Relations at the University of Haifa. He is the author of Ethics and Activism: The Theory and Practice of Political Morality and Bioethics and Armed Conflict: Moral Dilemmas of Medicine and War.

'Gross is known for bringing a sharp intellect and a keen moral sense to the perplexing character of modern war. In his latest book, he considers the prominent role of civilians in contemporary conflicts - including wars initiated to protect the welfare of oppressed civilians and those in which enemies use noncombatants as shields or targets ... Gross' wariness of dogmatism ensures that there are no easy answers; this is a book that will keep you thinking.' Foreign Affairs 'Gross writes fluently, with a wealth of realistic examples ... He makes many interesting observations ... and he shows sensitivity to the complexities of modern armed conflict ...' The Journal of Ethics and International Affairs