Morality, Jus Post Bellum, and International Law

This collection of essays brings together some of the leading legal, political and moral theorists to discuss the normative issues that arise when war concludes and when a society strives to regain peace. In the transition from war, mass atrocity or a repressive regime, how should we regard the idea of democracy and human rights? Should regimes be toppled unless they are democratic or is it sufficient that these regimes are less repressive than before? Are there moral reasons for thinking that soldiers should be relieved of responsibility so as to advance the goal of peace building? And how should we regard the often conflicting goals of telling the truth about what occurred in the past and allowing individuals to have their day in court? These questions and more are analyzed in detail. It also explores whether jus post bellum itself should be a distinct field of inquiry.

• First book to bring political philosophers together with lawyers working in transitional justice to discuss jus post bellum

• Offers extensive use of case studies including essay-long treatment of East Timor

• Provides clear accounts of problems not normally discussed in the literature, including how to deal with child soldiers, troops returning from combat and truth commissions