David Cortright

• From Busted Halo: 
  September 16th, 2008
  Busted: David Cortright
  An Army veteran and scholar on the costs of waging peace
  by Renée LaReau

• From God’s Politics by Jim Wallis and Friends:
  I think it’s worth pointing out that the just war position includes a continuum of perspectives ranging from limited police action to all-out war, based on a set of moral guidelines that can vary significantly depending on the setting.

Just war theory does not presuppose war, as the author suggests. For a helpful perspective on the relationship between just war theory and pacifism, check out the first chapter of scholar-activist David Cortright’s book Peace: A History of Movements and Ideas (Cambridge University Press, 2008)

About just war theory, Cortright writes: “Most ethicists within the tradition agree …. that the just war framework is based on a presumption against the use of military force.” (emphasis mine) He goes on to say: “An honest appraisal of war through the lens of just war criteria would forbid any consideration of nuclear strikes and would rule out virtually all forms of large-scale, unilateral military intervention.”

Cortright suggests combining the pacifist and just war traditions rather than viewing them as opposits. This, he says, allows for a richer examination of the peace tradition, one that more accurately reflects the thinking of those who consider themselves part of the peace movement.

Posted by: Renee LaReau | September 16, 2008 2:33 P.M.

• Library Thing, recommended books by gmillar, October 26, 2008 http://www.librarything.com/work/6488533 (accesses November 16, 2008).

• Peace and Collaborative Development Network, “David Cortright on the 50th Anniversary of the peace symbol, and ideas in his celebrated new book, ‘Peace: A History of Movements and Ideas’ ,” video created by University of Notre Dame,  http://internationalpeaceandconflict.ning.com/video/video/show?id=780588%3AVideo%3A87936 (accessed November 16, 2008).