| ID | 131698 |
| Title Proper | Trends in just war thinking during the US presidential debates 2000-12 |
| Other Title Information | genocide prevention and the renewed salience of last resort |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Brunstetter, Daniel R |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | In this article, I explore the place of the just war tradition in US foreign policy by examining the use of just war language in the presidential debates in 2000 (Bush-Gore), 2004 (Bush-Kerry), 2008 (McCain-Obama), and 2012 (Obama-Romney). While critics focus on the use and abuse of just war language as rhetorical gloss to persuade the public an upcoming conflict is morally legitimate while serving the national interest, the debates showcase just war principles as part of a language of critical engagement. Each debate cycle allowed for critical reflection on the foreign policy decisions and just war philosophy of the incumbent president. During the time period I examine, the process of critical engagement identified two moral shortcomings of the past - the failure to act to stop the genocide in Rwanda and the premature use of force in Iraq. These perceived failures catalysed convergence, across party lines, on the way some jus ad bellum principles were understood: Just cause as including the moral obligation to intervene in some way to stop genocide and the renewed salience of the principle of last resort. There remained, however, stark differences in the way legitimate authority was understood. |
| `In' analytical Note | Review of International Studies Vol.40, No.1; January 2014: p.77-99 |
| Journal Source | Review of International Studies Vol.40, No.1; January 2014: p.77-99 |
| Key Words | United States - US ; National Interest ; Rhetorical Gloss ; Conflicts ; International Conflicts ; Foreign Policy ; Legitimate ; Legitimate Authority ; Rwanda ; International Engagement ; Moral Obligation ; International Relations - IR ; Genocide Prevention |