Positives Readers generally commend this book as a highly intelligent, thoughtful, and thought-provoking work that offers deep insights into the morality of war, humanitarian intervention, and the liberal mindset when confronting global crises. Many reviewers find it remarkably prescient, noting that its core concepts regarding the nature of modern warfare and intervention remain highly relevant decades after its initial publication. The book is praised for its detailed exploration of diplomatic and military decision-making, international justice, and the profound consequences of "risk-free" or "virtual" warfare. It is considered an important, even foundational, text for understanding the ideology of liberal humanitarian interventionism, further enriched by its inclusion of conversations with key figures and philosophical debates.
Negatives Despite its perceived intellectual rigor, some readers find the book to be biased or driven more by sentiment than by objective reason, particularly in its advocacy for intervention. Critics suggest that the author may overestimate the capacity of Western powers to act benevolently and can sometimes overlook the complex, manipulative dynamics at play behind international crises. His arguments are described as passionate, occasionally at the expense of neutrality, and reflecting a particular "cosmopolitan intellectual" viewpoint that might be detached from broader public opinion or alternative perspectives. One reviewer also points out that some of the author's predictions concerning public acceptance of "virtual war" ultimately proved incorrect.
Conclusion Overall, the book stands as a significant and still useful work for understanding the moral and ethical dilemmas inherent in modern warfare and humanitarian intervention. While its arguments may not persuade every reader, it serves as a valuable resource for those interested in international relations, the philosophy of war, and the historical evolution of liberal interventionist thought. It is particularly recommended for readers seeking to explore the complex interplay of ethics, politics, and military action, and for those who appreciate a deep, albeit sometimes opinionated, reflection on the consequences of modern conflict on both combatants and citizens.
