Can the use of force first against a less-than-imminent threat be both morally acceptable and consistent with American values? In this timely book, Mark Totten offers the first in-depth, historical examination of the use of preemptive and preventive force through the lens of the just war tradition. Although critical of the American incursion into Iraq as a so-called 'preemptive war', Totten argues that the new terrorist threat nonetheless demands careful consideration of when the first use of force is legitimate. The moral tradition, he concludes, provides a principled way forward that reconciles American values and the demands of security.

Mark Totten is assistant professor of law, Michigan State University College of Law.

"Mark Totten addresses one of the most pressing questions of the day: When, if ever, can America's moral tradition support striking first against suspected terrorists or other enemies who are not on the verge of attacking this country? "First Strike" is a brilliant and engaging book full of deep insights into U.S. history, the just war tradition and its favorable reception in the United States, and recent national security challenges."--John E. Noyes, Roger J. Traynor Professor of Law, California Western School of Law--John E. Noyes