Samuel Moyn, a Yale Law and History professor and author of "Humane," talks about the evolution of warfare from Vietnam to Iraq. He reveals how U.S. foreign policy has influenced modern conflicts, highlighting the ethical dilemmas in today’s combat practices, especially with drone warfare. The discussion dives into the complexities of contemporary geopolitical tensions, including Ukraine and Taiwan, and critiques the humanitarian narrative of modern warfare. Moyn advocates for a re-evaluation of human rights laws to better protect civilians.
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insights INSIGHT
Shifting Face of Warfare
Modern warfare, waged by states like the US and UK, is changing.
It prioritizes control, domination, and surveillance, minimizing violence and death.
insights INSIGHT
Elements of New Warfare
This new warfare utilizes drones, special forces, and a greater emphasis on legal rules.
Lawyers play a crucial role in target selection and ensuring adherence to the evolving laws of war.
insights INSIGHT
The Paradox of Humane War
Making warfare less brutal might paradoxically make it more perpetual.
Reduced brutality makes war more palatable to the public, potentially hindering peace efforts.
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In *Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War*, Samuel Moyn explores the evolution of warfare and international law, arguing that efforts to make war more humane have paradoxically contributed to its normalization and perpetuation. The book delves into the historical roots of this transformation, from the late 19th century to the present day, highlighting the role of humanitarian law in sustaining ongoing conflicts.
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Academic and author Samuel Moyn joins us to discusses warfare over the course of the 20th century – from Vietnam to Iraq – and how US policy over that time has shaped the conflicts we see today. Moyn is Professor of Law and History at Yale University. His recent book, Humane: How the United States Abandoned Peace and Reinvented War, analyses how following the Second World War, the establishment of Human rights conventions and international law courts became a push to make the game of war a more ethical one. The reality, of course, is different. From Syria to Ukraine, we see forms of engagement that contradict all guidelines and these breaches make the already brutal theatre of war even more horrific. Joining Samuel in conversation to discuss the book is Carl Miller, Research Director at the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media at the think tank Demos.
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