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While most studies of just war focus on the rationale for going to war and the conduct of the war, this important book by Allman and Winright examines the period after the conflict. What must be done to restore justice? In the words of the authors, “Victory is declared by presidents and other leaders, yet all too often no just peace is to be found in the wake of todays conflicts… After the smoke clears, the powers that be may declare mission accomplished when, as Ezekiel long ago said, there really is no peace.”
Part I provides an overview of just war theories and the emerging concern about the period that ensues when “official” hostilities end. Part II present four criteria for ensuring post war justice: just cause, the need for reconciliation, the need for punishment, and the need for restoration.
Suitable for classes in ethics, Catholic social teaching, moral theology, and religion and society, After the Smoke Clears offers a telling critique of the moral aftermath of war.
Mark J. Allman is an associate professor of ethics at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. He is the author of Who Would Jesus Kill? Peace, War and the Christian Tradition.
Tobias L. Winright is an assistant professor of Christian ethics at Saint Louis University. With several years of experience in corrections and policing, he has published articles on just war theory and on issues in criminal justice in the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics, Studies in Christian Ethics, National Catholic Reporter, Sojourners Magazine, Christian Century, Criminal Justice Ethics, FBI Law enforcement Bulletin, and others.
