Justice & Violence Studies Research Network Seminar: Professor Esther Reed. Duty to deter? On dealing with tyrants in a nuclear age
The Justice & Violence Studies @Exeter Research Network are pleased to invite you to this seminar with Professor Esther Reed. Esther is Professor of theological ethics and moral philosophy in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Exeter.
| A Justice and Violence Studies@Exeter seminar | |
|---|---|
| Date | 20 May 2025 |
| Time | 15:00 to 16:00 |
| Place | Remote via Teams |
| Organizer | J&VS @Exeter Research Network & EXCEPT |
Event details
Abstract
Bio: Esther D. Reed joined the Department of Theology and Religion in 2007. Previously, she taught for ten years at the University of St Andrews including one semester as the visiting O'Connor Professor at Colgate University, NY (Spring 2007). She was President of the UK Society for the Study of Christian Ethics Sept 2018-August 2021. Esther's research and teaching are broadly in theological ethics and moral philosophy, with particular focus on un)just war reasoning and weapons control, prospects for jus in silico, and the future of military ethics. Her particular research interests include: contemporary ethical challenges in war, security, and technology, including just war theory, moral injury, deterrence, and AI ethics. She also explores theology’s role in ethics, criminal justice, and biblical interpretation, with a particular interest in Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
The Justice & Violence Studies @Exeter Research Network are pleased to invite you to this seminar with Professor Esther Reed. Esther is Professor of theological ethics and moral philosophy in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Exeter. Staff and students from all disciplines are welcomed.
Event: Tuesday 20th May 14:00- 15:00 online via TEAMS LINK Meeting ID: 310 177 581 570 Passcode: Fz6PN3CZ
Title: Duty to deter? On dealing with tyrants in a nuclear age
Abstract: This paper considers a systemic weakness in modern (un)just war reasoning – namely, failing to reckon adequately with tyrants having access to nuclear weapons. Cold War nuclear ethics 1950s to 1980s broadly supposed a type of rationality wherein both sides sought optimal solutions and/or way out of dilemmas. Joseph Nye’s 1990s concept of ‘soft power’ developed in connection with nuclear policy experience was apt.
Today, an ethic of nuclear deterrence needs insight into the nature of tyranny and tyrants. Mindful of Rebeccah L. Heinrichs’s (2024) Duty to deter: American Nuclear Deterrence and the Just War Doctrine, this paper warns against too narrow a focus on targeting doctrine, warhead yield, and the deterrence race-to-stand-still. It rereads classic (un)just war theorists for resources on dealing with tyrants, including psychological and political approaches to dismantling control mechanisms.
Please share with colleagues and networks; these events are open to all students and staff.
If you have a suggestion of a speaker for a future Network seminar, or would like us to promote your event please contact us justice-violencestudies@exeter.ac.uk Thank you.
