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Author: Rory Cox

Reviewed by Dr. Pauline Shanks Kaurin, Stockdale Chair in Professional Military Ethics and professor, College of Leadership and Ethics, US Naval War College

Origins of the Just War: Military Ethics and Culture in the Ancient Near East, by Rory Cox, explores three ancient cultures —Egyptian, Hittite and Israeli—and how they navigated their relationships between ethics and war. Factors central to these civilizations include political authority, divine leadership, justice, and putting down rebellion. The book offers various disciplinary perspectives including philosophy, religion, art, history, sociology, and international relations. The reviewer notes, “This book will be of interest and accessible to academics, practitioners, and general interest readers alike; it reminds us about the value of broadening our philosophical arguments with the influence of history, religion, law, and culture.”

©2025 Pauline Shanks Kaurin

Publication Date

7-1-2025

Keywords

jus ad bellum, jus in bello, just war, military ethics, religion

Disciplines

Defense and Security Studies

Book Review: Origins of the Just War: Military Ethics and Culture in the Ancient Near East

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