'The deep history and dangers of just wars'
Just War doctrines emerged in the ancient world from around 3000 BCE and they have been used to absolve extreme violence in conflict ever since.
'Killing for culture: Responding to cultural heritage destruction as a security threat'
Cultural heritage can be broadly conceived – movable and immovable property, the human and the natural landscape, tangible and intangible manifestations of community – but it is intimately linked to the memory and identity of individuals, communities, and nations. Such heritage has often fallen victim to the ravages of conflict, both civil and international. Its destruction has often provoked opprobrium and recrimination. Such destruction also produces insecurity.
'The Military Response to ISIS: a historical perspective'
History Today (2015)
In the light of Parliament’s decision to approve military action in Syria, Rory Cox looks back to the classical and medieval world to ask: ‘What makes a just war?’
'Wyclif: Medieval Pacifist'
History Today (2010)
During the Anglo-French conflicts that characterised the 14th century, the Oxford theologian John Wyclif challenged the ‘un-Christian’ pursuit of war and wealth. Yet, just like anti-war protesters today, Wyclif had little influence on Parliament or the king, writes Rory Cox.