[an] illuminating book... a thorough, well-argued and pleasant to read defence of the idea of contracted warfare.

- Ethical Perspectives 18, no.2,

Baker's arguments are well supported with sufficient historical context and anecdotal evidence where necessary... The author's case is an important and timely one, and it works well on a number of levels... this book is a call for clarity on the subject and a spark for interesting conversation on the topics of ethics of warfare, morality and the market and humanitarian intervention.

- Political Studies Review Vol. 10,

This is a philosophical exploration of the moral issues raised by the use of private military contractors in war. The presence of contractors on today's battlefields is without question one of the most significant developments in modern warfare. While many contractors perform relatively benign tasks on behalf of the military, controversy rages around those contractors who offer services that involve the use of armed force. The rise of the private military industry raises some difficult issues. For example, Jeremy Scahill, one of the industry's most vociferous critics, questions whether the outsourcing of military force is not 'a subversion of the very existence of the nation-state and of principles of sovereignty'. These questions are at essence philosophical challenges to the existence of the private military industry. In "Just Warriors, Inc.", philosopher and ethicist Deane-Peter Baker argues that, contrary to popular assumptions, a compelling moral and philosophical case can be made in favour of the ongoing utilization of the services that these 'private warriors' offer. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in moving beyond the hyperbole and exploring in depth the real questions that should be asked about the privatisation of military force. "Think Now" is a new series of books which examines central contemporary social and political issues from a philosophical perspective. These books aim to be accessible, rather than overly technical, bringing philosophical rigour to modern questions which matter the most to us. Provocative yet engaging, the authors take a stand on political and cultural themes of interest to any intelligent reader.
Les mer
A philosophical exploration of the moral issues raised by the use of private military contractors in war. It argues that, contrary to popular assumptions, a compelling moral and philosophical case can be made in favour of the utilization of the services that these 'private warriors' offer.
Les mer
Preface; Introduction; 1. On Sheepdogs (or, the Warrior's Honor); 2. What the Heck is a Mercenary Anyway?; 3. The Private Warrior's Virtue; 4. The Right to Fight; 5. The Right to be Wrong; 6. Contracting and Delegation; 7. Command and Control; 8. The Responsibility to Protect; 9. Contractors to the Rescue; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.
Les mer
A philosophical exploration of the moral issues raised by the use of private military contractors and mercenaries in war.
The presence of contractors on today's battlefields is without question one of the most significant developments in modern warfare - this book explores the ethical implications behind this hugely topical contemporary debate.
Les mer
Think Now is a new series of books which examines central contemporary social and political issues from a philosophical perspective. These books aim to be accessible, rather than overly technical, bringing philosophical rigour to modern questions which matter the most to us. Provocative yet engaging, the authors take a stand on political and cultural themes of interest to any intelligent reader.
Les mer

Produktdetaljer

ISBN
9781441134172
Publisert
2011-01-06
Utgiver
Continuum Publishing Corporation
Høyde
198 mm
Bredde
129 mm
Aldersnivå
P, 06
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Heftet
Antall sider
240

Forfatter

Biografisk notat

Deane-Peter Baker is Deputy Head of the School of Philosophy and Ethics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He is co-editor of Private Military Companies: Ethics, Policies and Civil-Military Relations (Routledge, 2008) and has also written for the BBC's Focus on Africa magazine.