Ulf Hedetoft is Professor, dr. phil., at the University of Copenhagen. His research interests include the theory and history of state, sovereignty and nationalism, with a special focus on Europe.

‘Hedetoft’s essay is extremely timely. It brings to light issues of morality, honour and prestige – topics largely neglected in mainstream International Relations research. Using the Russo-Ukrainian war as an example, it enhances our under-standing of how wars are legitimised by political leaders seeking to secure domestic loyalty and win over international public opinion.’ — Bo Petersson, Professor of Political Science at Malmö University, Sweden‘In his far-ranging analysis of critical issues concerned with morality, national honour, prestige, tolerance and war – along with a flurry of European case studies – Professor Hedetoft provocatively concludes that “political morality is a strange creature, always ready to provide political actors with the clean conscience they need when they set even the most horrific events in motion”. He raises a further question: Does a state wage war only because national honour is at stake? This book provides a whirlwind of intelligent thought scholars will embrace.’ — Raymond Taras, Professor Emeritus, Tulane University, USAOriginal, erudite, insightful, thought-provoking, exceptionally well crafted, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Morality of Politics: States, Honour and War" by Professor Ulf Hedetoft is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library International Studies & Political Science collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. —MidwestHedetoft is very adept at integrating abstract concepts with contemporary realities, particularly in the context of Max Weber’s treatment of states as holding the legitimate monopoly on the use of force and violence.[...] Employing a language and terminology that are accessible for a wide audience ... Hedetoft’s book offers a valuable contribution to the field, ensuring its relevance in the 2020s. —International Affairs

• Introduction  ; 1  Political Morality: A Critique of State-Citizen Relations; 2  The Honour and Prestige of States; War, Peace and Morality: 10 Theses on the Cost of Freedom   – and a Case Study of the War in Ukraine; – and a Case Study of the War in Ukraine  ; Epilogue  ; References

Ulf Hedetoft is Professor, dr. phil., at the University of Copenhagen. His research interests include the theory and history of state, sovereignty and nationalism, with a special focus on Europe.

‘Hedetoft’s essay is extremely timely. It brings to light issues of morality, honour and prestige – topics largely neglected in mainstream International Relations research. Using the Russo-Ukrainian war as an example, it enhances our under-standing of how wars are legitimised by political leaders seeking to secure domestic loyalty and win over international public opinion.’ — Bo Petersson, Professor of Political Science at Malmö University, Sweden‘In his far-ranging analysis of critical issues concerned with morality, national honour, prestige, tolerance and war – along with a flurry of European case studies – Professor Hedetoft provocatively concludes that “political morality is a strange creature, always ready to provide political actors with the clean conscience they need when they set even the most horrific events in motion”. He raises a further question: Does a state wage war only because national honour is at stake? This book provides a whirlwind of intelligent thought scholars will embrace.’ — Raymond Taras, Professor Emeritus, Tulane University, USAOriginal, erudite, insightful, thought-provoking, exceptionally well crafted, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Morality of Politics: States, Honour and War" by Professor Ulf Hedetoft is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library International Studies & Political Science collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. —MidwestHedetoft is very adept at integrating abstract concepts with contemporary realities, particularly in the context of Max Weber’s treatment of states as holding the legitimate monopoly on the use of force and violence.[...] Employing a language and terminology that are accessible for a wide audience ... Hedetoft’s book offers a valuable contribution to the field, ensuring its relevance in the 2020s. —International Affairs

• Introduction  ; 1  Political Morality: A Critique of State-Citizen Relations; 2  The Honour and Prestige of States; War, Peace and Morality: 10 Theses on the Cost of Freedom   – and a Case Study of the War in Ukraine; – and a Case Study of the War in Ukraine  ; Epilogue  ; References

Ulf Hedetoft is Professor, dr. phil., at the University of Copenhagen. His research interests include the theory and history of state, sovereignty and nationalism, with a special focus on Europe.

‘Hedetoft’s essay is extremely timely. It brings to light issues of morality, honour and prestige – topics largely neglected in mainstream International Relations research. Using the Russo-Ukrainian war as an example, it enhances our under-standing of how wars are legitimised by political leaders seeking to secure domestic loyalty and win over international public opinion.’ — Bo Petersson, Professor of Political Science at Malmö University, Sweden‘In his far-ranging analysis of critical issues concerned with morality, national honour, prestige, tolerance and war – along with a flurry of European case studies – Professor Hedetoft provocatively concludes that “political morality is a strange creature, always ready to provide political actors with the clean conscience they need when they set even the most horrific events in motion”. He raises a further question: Does a state wage war only because national honour is at stake? This book provides a whirlwind of intelligent thought scholars will embrace.’ — Raymond Taras, Professor Emeritus, Tulane University, USAOriginal, erudite, insightful, thought-provoking, exceptionally well crafted, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Morality of Politics: States, Honour and War" by Professor Ulf Hedetoft is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library International Studies & Political Science collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. —MidwestHedetoft is very adept at integrating abstract concepts with contemporary realities, particularly in the context of Max Weber’s treatment of states as holding the legitimate monopoly on the use of force and violence.[...] Employing a language and terminology that are accessible for a wide audience ... Hedetoft’s book offers a valuable contribution to the field, ensuring its relevance in the 2020s. —International Affairs

• Introduction  ; 1  Political Morality: A Critique of State-Citizen Relations; 2  The Honour and Prestige of States; War, Peace and Morality: 10 Theses on the Cost of Freedom   – and a Case Study of the War in Ukraine; – and a Case Study of the War in Ukraine  ; Epilogue  ; References