New Terror, New Wars

by Prof Paul Gilbert

Published 22 May 2003
This is a timely philosophical treatment of the current wave of international terrorism and armed conflicts around the world and the dangers they represent. The book discusses: * The ethical significance of September 11th and its aftermath * The causes of new wars in the politics of identity * When armed force in pursuit of political goals is justified * Whether Just War Theory is adequate for assessing and regulating contemporary conflicts * How terrorism should be combatted * How external intervention and war crimes trials help or hinder the cause of peace * What an international order that both respects cultural differences and achieves peace should be like. Interdisciplinary and wide ranging in scope the book draws on examples from the Middle East, the former Soviet bloc and elsewhere. It will be required reading for all those concerned with the ethical issues raised by contemporary armed conflicts.