Moral Dilemmas of Modern War

Michael L. Gross is Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of International Relations at the University of Haifa. He is the author of Ethics and Activism: The Theory and Practice of Political Morality and Bioethics and Armed Conflict: Moral Dilemmas of Medicine and War.

• 1. Torture, assassination and blackmail in modern, asymmetric conflict; 2. Friends, foes or brothers in arms? The puzzle of combatant equality; Part I. Dilemmas and Paradoxes of Combatancy: 3. Shooting to kill: the paradox of prohibited weapons; 4. Shooting to stun: the paradox of nonlethal warfare; 5. Murder, self-defense or execution? The dilemma of assassination; 6. Human dignity or human life: the dilemmas of torture; Part II. Dilemmas and Paradoxes of Noncombatancy: 7. Blackmailing the innocent: the dilemma of noncombatant immunity; 8. Killing the innocent: the dilemma of terror; 9. Risking our lives to save others: the paradox (and dilemma) of humanitarian intervention; Conclusion: 10. Torture, assassination and blackmail: new norms for asymmetric conflict?

'Gross is known for bringing a sharp intellect and a keen moral sense to the perplexing character of modern war. In his latest book, he considers the prominent role of civilians in contemporary conflicts - including wars initiated to protect the welfare of oppressed civilians and those in which enemies use noncombatants as shields or targets … Gross' wariness of dogmatism ensures that there are no easy answers; this is a book that will keep you thinking.' Foreign Affairs