The Alternatives to War: From Sanctions to Nonviolence

James Pattison

Jun 2018 · Oxford University Press

About this ebook

If states are not to go to war, what should they do instead? In The Alternatives to War, James Pattison considers the case for the alternatives to military action to address mass atrocities and aggression. The volume examines the normative issues raised by measures ranging from comprehensive economic sanctions, diplomacy, and positive incentives, to criminal prosecutions, nonviolent resistance, accepting refugees, and arming rebels. For instance, given the indiscriminateness of many sanctions regimes, are sanctions any better than war? Should states avoid 'megaphone diplomacy' and adopt more subtle measures? What, if anything, can nonviolent methods such as civilian defence and civilian peacekeeping do in the face of a ruthless opponent? Is it a serious concern that positive incentives can appear to reward aggressors? Overall, Pattison provides a comprehensive account of the ethics of the alternatives to war. In doing so, he argues that the case for war is weaker and the case for many of the alternatives is stronger than commonly thought. The upshot is that, when reacting to mass atrocities and aggression, states are generally required to pursue the alternatives to war rather than military action. The volume concludes that this has significant implications for pacifism, just war theory, and the responsibility to protect doctrine.

About the author

James Pattison is Professor of Politics at the University of Manchester. His work focuses on the ethical issues surrounding conflict, at the intersection between political philosophy and International Relations. His publications include Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect: Who Should Intervene? (OUP, 2010) WHICH was awarded a 'Notable Book Award' in 2011 by the International Studies Association (International Ethics Section), and The Morality of Private War: The Challenge of Private Military and Security Companies (OUP, 2014). He currently co-edits a book series on War, Conflict, and Ethics (with Michael Gross).