98. Dr. Jonathan French Flint - Navigating the Ethical Maze of War: On Strategic Theory and Military Ethics

Feb 26, 2025

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In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Jonathan French Flint, an Inamori Research Associate at Case Western Reserve University with a focus on military ethics and strategic theory.

Dr. Flint has a background in teaching in the UK and has presented his work at a range of academic venues, including the United States Army Command and General Staff College. He has also made contributions to military ethics literature, notably with the International Committee of the Red Cross, and has appeared on the Canadian CTV Network as an expert discussing the war in Ukraine and broader issues in military and international affairs.

Our conversation aims to explore the complexities of Strategic Theory, particularly its role in informing decisions about war. Dr. Flint brings a unique perspective to this subject, advocating for the inclusion of ethical considerations in strategic planning for conflict.

Here are some of the key topics we cover:

**Pathway to Specialisation**: Dr. Flint shares how he entered the niche field of military ethics and Strategic Theory.
**Unlocking Strategic Theory**: We examine what Strategic Theory entails and the problems it seeks to solve.
**Defining 'Victory'**: We discuss the often-ambiguous term 'Victory' in the context of warfare.
**'Wars of Choice' Conundrum**: Dr. Flint elaborates on the difficulties tied to defining victory in wars of choice.
**Ethics vs. Interests**: A look into the tension between moral values and geopolitical interests in 'wars of choice'.
**Moral Injury**: An exploration of the concept of 'moral injury' as it relates to ‘wars of choice’.
**Ethical Frameworks**: We discuss General McChrystal's concepts of 'Courageous Restraint' and 'Insurgent Math'.
**Moral Compass**: The conversation turns to defining the difference between morals, morality, and ethics in warfare.
**Case Studies**: Dr. Flint briefly outlines his thesis, examining the Falklands and Kosovo conflicts through an ethical lens.
**Accountability**: We close with a discussion on the responsibility of senior political and military figures for unethical actions on the battlefield.

This episode provides a nuanced exploration of the ethical considerations in Strategic Theory and warfare. It's a thought-provoking listen for those interested in going beyond surface-level discussions about conflict.

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