Includes bibliographical references (pages 347-365) and index.

Part One: The moral reality of war -- 1. Against realism -- 2. The crime of war -- 3. The rules of war -- Part Two: The theory of aggression -- 4. Law and order in international society -- 5. Anticipations -- 6. Interventions -- 7. War's ends, and the importance of winning -- Part Three: The war convention -- 8. War's means and the importance of fighting well -- 9. Noncombat immunity and military necessity -- 10. War against civilians: sieges and blockades -- 11. Guerrilla war -- 12. Terrorism -- 13. Reprisals -- Part Four: Dilemmas of War -- 14. Winning and fighting well -- 15. Aggression and neutrality -- 16. Supreme emergency -- 17. Nuclear deterrence -- Part Five: The question of responsibility -- 18. The crime of aggression: political leaders and citizens -- 19. War crimes: soldiers and their officers.

"First published in 1977 and now brought up to the present with a new preface and postscript, this classic work by political philosopher Michael Walzer examines the moral issues that arise before, during, and after the wars we fight. Reaching from the Athenian attack on Melos to the Mai Lai massacre, to Afghanistan and beyond, Walzer mines historical accounts and the testimony of participants, decision-makers, and victims to explain when war is justified and what ethical limitations apply to those who wage it."--Back cover.