Resources: Just War

Crusade: Chronicles of an Unjust War by James Carroll
"With the words 'this Crusade, this war on terror,' President George W. Bush defined the purpose of his presidency. And, just as promptly, James Carroll -- Boston Globe columnist, son of a general, former antiwar chaplain and activist, and recognized voice of ethical authority -- began a week-by-week argument with the administration over its actions."

Just and Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument with Historical Illustrations by Michael Walzer
A reprint with a new preface of Walzer's respected treatment of the morality of war

Arguing About War by Michael Walzer
"Walzer collects previously published pieces from the last 15 years that dramatize and discuss the ethical dilemmas of military intervention in emergency situations, after terrorism and during foreign civil wars."

But Wast It Just?: Reflections on the Morality of the Persian Gulf War ed. by Jean Bethke
But Was It Just? is an ethical primer in which the leading thinkers of our time on matters of war and peace take up these questions and more. In a style both popular and substantive, they explore the morality of the Gulf War in light of the centuries-old just war tradition; of political analysis; and of personal experience and conviction.

Love Your Enemies: Discipleship, Pacifism, and Just War Theory by Lisa Sowle Cahill
"The author examines the theological bases of just war theory and pacifism, espcially in the light of the concept of God, as that motif illuminates Chrsitian discipleship. Differences between the theory of just war and the practice of pacifism are highlighted in the overview of the history of Christian thought on the subject, and the inclusiveness of the ideal of the kingdom for pacifism is emphasized."

Gadium et Spes (Vatican)
Scroll down to Chapter 5: The Fostering of Peace and the Promotion of a Community of Nations.

More documents and statements on peace and just war doctrine can be found on the holy father's special page on peace.

Just War Theory
"Just-war theory deals with the justification of how and why wars are fought."

Resources on Just War Theory
Put together by the University of San Diego Values Institute Forum on Just War and the Balkans.

Just War Tradition
From the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life

Defining a Just War
by Richard Falk in The Nation

Catholic Just War Theory and Iraq
A collection of links and information from American Catholic.