Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - IS 409 D100

Special Topics I (4)

Justice, War & Power

Class Number: 3453

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Specific details of courses to be offered will be published prior to enrollment each term.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course examines debates about the use of political violence, with a particular focus on military force. It explores the following questions: For what purposes and under what conditions (if any) is the use of political violence and military force justifiable? When and how should those who enact political violence be held accountable? What are the key weaknesses and strengths in the moral and legal frameworks that regulate war? What challenges are involved in holding states, leaders, and non-state actors accountable for unjustifiable and unlawful uses of military force? How might these challenges be addressed?

The course will explore contending theoretical perspectives, from realism and just war theory to absolute and contingent pacifism. It will also examine a range of cases and issues, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the war in Gaza, targeted assassinations, ecocide (or causing environmental destruction in war), and the use of drones and artificial intelligence in war.

Grading

  • Essay, in pairs w/ individual component, followed by oral interview (3800 words) 35%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Group project (includes individual component) 25%
  • In-class exercise (‘defender of the text’) 5%
  • Participation 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Other assigned readings will be available electronically via the SFU Library or online.

REQUIRED READING:

Michael Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars, 5th edition (Basic Books, 2015)

Neta Crawford, Accountability for Killing (Oxford University Press, 2013)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.