Classical confucianism, punitive expeditions, and humanitarian intervention

Journal of Military Ethics 11 (2):81-96 (2012)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Abstract Building on the authors' previous work regarding the classical Confucian position on the legitimate use of military force as represented by Mencius and Xunzi, this paper probes their understanding of punitive expeditions undertaken against tyrants in particular ? aims, justification, preconditions, and limits. It compares this understanding with contemporary Western models of humanitarian intervention, and argues that the Confucian punitive expedition aligns most closely with the emerging ?responsibility to protect? model in Western discussions, although it also differs from the latter in certain respects. For example, the Confucian expedition explicitly forwards as legitimate aims regime change and the punishment of tyrants, in addition to rescue of an abused population and assistance in rebuilding a decent society. The Confucian understanding also appears to set a lower threshold standard (well short of genocide, ethnic cleansing, or large-scale massacre) for what counts as severe tyranny warranting intervention, and it explicitly speaks of an obligation (beyond mere permissibility) to intervene when that threshold is exceeded. In its concluding section, the paper discusses some possible contemporary implications of the classical Confucian understanding of a punitive expedition against tyrants

Links

PhilArchive



    Upload a copy of this work     Papers currently archived: 90,593

External links

Setup an account with your affiliations in order to access resources via your University's proxy server

Through your library

Similar books and articles

Humanitarian intervention, consent, and proportionality.Jeff McMahan - 2009 - In N. Ann Davis, Richard Keshen & Jeff McMahan (eds.), Ethics and Humanity: Themes From the Philosophy of Jonathan Glover. Oxford University Press.
Humanitarian intervention: Loose ends.Fernando R. Tesón - 2011 - Journal of Military Ethics 10 (3):192-212.
Humanitarian military intervention: Wars for the end of history?Clifford Orwin - 2006 - Social Philosophy and Policy 23 (1):196-217.
Legitimacy, humanitarian intervention, and international institutions.Miles Kahler - 2011 - Politics, Philosophy and Economics 10 (1):20-45.
Justification of war in ancient china.James A. Stroble - 1998 - Asian Philosophy 8 (3):165 – 190.

Analytics

Added to PP
2012-09-11

Downloads
17 (#742,076)

6 months
4 (#319,344)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author's Profile

Jonathan Chan
Åbo Akademi University