2012 Reviews and Articles

Book Review: After the Smoke Clears: The Just War Tradition and Post War Justice

Cosacchi, Daniel

It is uncommon to find a work that has the potential to change the level of thought for an entire discipline. In After the Smoke Clears, Allman and Winright have accomplished precisely this feat. There is little doubt that just war theory is one of the most controversial elements of Christian ethics, and one that has been debated for the better part of two millennia. The authors not only recognize this fact, but also set out to write a book intended for those scattered all over the just war theory continuum – adherents to the theory and pacifists alike. The entire work consists of an Introduction, followed by two parts which succinctly present the authors’ major thesis: that there is inadequate attention devoted to the period following the cessation of violent force in warfare and that this needs to change in order for just war theory to be complete. An addition to the existing Christian tradition of just war is needed for it to continue to foster peace.