The book critically analyzes the moral underpinnings of American military leadership following the events of 9/11, delving into significant conflicts such as the Gulf War, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. It reflects on the evolution of U.S. military power in a changing global landscape, offering insights into the ethical considerations that shape military decisions and strategies in contemporary international relations.
Covering a wide array of topics related to national security, diplomacy, and military strategy, this collection features significant works spanning centuries. It includes contemporary analyses of international threats and compelling first-person accounts from historic battles. Some entries are reproductions of important historical texts, which may contain imperfections, yet are deemed essential for understanding the complexities of war. This curated anthology offers a rich exploration of both historical insights and modern perspectives on conflict.
The book focuses on the nature of social and personal morality and on the relation between them. Each of its five parts begins with an introduction to a specific moral problem, presents a concrete case illustrating the problem, and then turns to a classical and a contemporary reading aiming to resolve the problem.