This course examines ethical norms on the use of armed force for political purposes and it includes a particular focus on the relationship between those norms and military technologies. It explores how, and the extent to which, ethical and/or technological considerations influence strategic and tactical decisions. After an introduction to Just War theory, the course examines a range of topics, drawing on historical and contemporary ideas and information. These include: basic concepts of international law on armed conflict; pre-emptive and preventive war; humanitarian interventions; non-combatant immunity; mercenaries and private military companies; drones and robots; nuclear weapons; inhumane and ‘non-lethal’ weapons; military medical ethics; intelligence and counterterrorism; and post-war recovery. The overall aim of the course is to provide students with a stronger understanding of the strategic, operational, political and ethical concerns surrounding these issues, their security implications, and the conceptual and empirical connections between them. Course activities and assessment tasks are designed to encourage critical thinking and intellectual autonomy.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1.       Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relationship between ethics, politics, security and strategy.

2.       Conduct research in archives, libraries, and using internet resources.

3.       Communicate effectively in verbal, written and group contexts to a professional standard.

4.       Demonstrate a capacity for critical reflection so that the assumptions underpinning ethical concepts and security policies can be effectively scrutinized.

5.       Formulate, analyse and evaluate security policy options in ethical terms.

6.       Exercise attention to detail and analytical rigour in academic writing.

6,000 words:

Short Essay (20%) OR optional Debate Summary (20%), due week 6

Research Essay (50%), due week 10

Exam (30%)

One 2-hour seminar per week (over 13 weeks) with the expectation of a further 8 hours per week of independent study.

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Students enrolled in this course are assumed to have some knowledge of contemporary international politics.

Michael Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars, 4^th ed., New York; Basic Books, 2006; and/or Helen Frowe, The Ethics of War and Peace: An Introduction, Abingdon: Routledge, 2011.

Internet access to Wattle and the ANU Library Catalogue.

Class Timetable

Tuesday, 5:00-7:00pm

Seminar Room 7

National Security College, Building 132a