DO ETHICS MATTER IN WARFARE TODAY?

People say, "Well, people break the rules of warfare all the time, so why should we have rules?" Is there an absolute moral and ethical framework that guides forces in war, or is it no more than the rules chosen by the powerful to justify their actions? What is the benefit of such frameworks in a world where adversaries appear free to act immorally? These and other questions are presented by special guest Dr. Pauline Shanks-Kaurin, professor of military ethics at Pacific Lutheran University and Andrew A. Hill, Chair of Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Army War College.   Pauline Shanks-Kaurin is professor of military ethics at Pacific Lutheran University and the author of "Achilles Goes Asymmetric." Andrew A. Hill is the Chair for Strategic Leadership at the U.S. Army War College and the WAR ROOM Editor-in-Chief. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Credit: U.S. Army