Just War Reconsidered: Strategy, Ethics, and Theory

James Dubik's Just War Reconsidered fills a critical gap in the Just War tradition. Walzer, Orend et al. have written exhaustively on the the conduct of war-fighting and what is demanded of soldiers in the fight: principally, that they adhere to military necessity, civilian distinction, proportionality and humanity and that they win quickly and decisively in their tactical or operational engagements. Dubik, a true warrior-philosopher, with many years of combat experience at the operational and strategic levels of war, wisely recommends jus en bello be expanded to hold senior military and civilian officials responsible for how they wage war. In a Walzer-esque manner, Dubik brilliantly weaves several important historical and contemporary case studies into his analysis and ends the book with a practical framework for leaders to follow to wage war in a manner that is consistent with the Just War tradition.This book is a must read for any soldier, statesmen or aspiring national security practitioner.

This book is a must read. Author, General Dubik gave me his first hand insight of war. His writing style also captured my intrigue.

Excellent book and a great seller.

I does fill the gap as promised.

JWR is a fascinating book. The author’s major point is that “Just War” theory needs expanding, from concentrating only on how soldiers fight a war to how war is actually waged, namely how national leaders, both political and military, start and conduct a war. To make his point, the author calls upon not only his only experiences while having risen to the rank of three-star general, but numerous other sources, from the theories of Aristotle through Clausewitz to the “after-action” commentary of modern military leaders such as Gates and McChrystal.Concepts and issues are clearly explained, often with private insights not seen elsewhere and illuminating examples from the Civil War, World War II, Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq I & 2. Introduced are interesting but rarefied concerns of the theoretical field, such as: the right to be wrong, unequal dialogue, principal-agent theory, prudence, moral agency, and performance-oriented, dialog-execution regime. Quotes are used well; eg, here’re a couple memorable ones from Clausewitz: “The conduct of war, in its great outlines, is therefore policy itself, which takes up the sword in place of the pen.” “The essence of genius … a very highly developed mental aptitude for a particular occupation.” Even the author’s conclusions are well-phrased: “In many cases, it is not the side who gets it right in some absolute sense that succeeds in war. Rather it is the side that makes war-waging decisions that are the least wrong, can adapt the fastest, and can sustain its will to win.”I particularly enjoyed the book’s writing, perhaps, as I’m judging from the book’s forward, because General Dubik spent time as a major at West Point teaching English. I can also appreciate the fact that he eased understanding the complexity of his subject by enumerating his points (and sub-points). One such enumeration is his list of recommended War-Waging Principles: 1. Continuous Dialogue [not episodic]. 2. Final Decision Authority. 3. Managerial Competence. 4. War Legitimacy. 5. Resignation. The final principle, resignation, those attending (myself included) the General’s recent book presentation (at the Pritzker Military Museum and Library) found especially fascinating.Bottom-line, this is an extremely well done book that should appeal to most anyone interested in ethical and effective national defense. Highly recommended!Check out some of William J. Bahr’s books:  Strategy Pure and Simple: Essential Moves for Winning in Competition and Cooperation  and George Washington's Liberty Key: Mount Vernon's Bastille Key – the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul , a best-seller at Mount Vernon. “Character is Key for Liberty!”