Just War Theory in the 21st C

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This seminar is intended for students interested in thinking through questions like the following: · Do contemporary Just War Theorists think the use of predator drone strikes against suspected terrorists is justifiable? · If a detainee at Guantanamo is not designated a “Prisoner of War,” and the US Government does not plan to indict and try the detainee as a criminal suspect, might the government be justified, nonetheless, in detaining that individual indefinitely? · Does International Human Rights Law still obtain even during war and conflict—or do the Laws of War [International Humanitarian Law] hold sway? · Does the emerging international norm of “Responsibility to Protect” justify regime change or only direct protection of civilians under fire? This seminar will require in-depth reading and seminar-quality discussion. The format is deliberately “old school," in that the Prof and students gather in a living room to wrestle with assigned texts and questions while partaking of British-style Tea-Time. Prerequisites: Just War Theory finds its wider intellectual home within Political Theory. So it is expected that those who enroll in this class will have completed “Social and Political Thought” or “Elements of Political Theory.” While knowledge of Just War Theory is beneficial, a student without such background who is willing to do some catch-up work in preparation is welcome to enroll.