Just and Unjust Wars

In 'Just and Unjust Wars,' Michael Walzer draws on medieval Just War theory to develop a modern, secular approach to the ethics of warfare.

The book distinguishes between *jus ad bellum* (the justice of going to war) and *jus in bello* (the justice in the conduct of war), arguing that these are separate and independent judgments.

Walzer critiques both amoral realism and pacifism, advocating for a 'War Convention' that includes principles such as non-combatant immunity and the moral equality of soldiers.

He uses historical examples, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and other conflicts, to illustrate his arguments and to emphasize the importance of protecting human rights and avoiding harm to civilians.

The book has been highly influential in the field of just war theory and continues to be a standard reference in discussions about the ethics of warfare.