Introduction

Abstract

The notion that soldiers have to blindly obey their orders is inaccurate. Disobedience is a fundamental professional obligation of members of the military and overrides the duty to follow commands. But, what is the extent of this obligation? Are soldiers obligated to participate in what they consider to be an illegal war or should they be allowed to enjoy a right to selective conscientious objection? Should soldiers obey a legal order that, if followed, would facilitate the perpetration of war crimes by a third party? How should soldier act if they are ordered to follow a lawful order that could result in immoral consequences? Should soldiers be allowed to refuse to obey what can be labelled as suicidal orders? Based upon the nature of soldiers’ professional obligations, this book tries to offer answers to these important questions.