Saving Syria? The Ethics of Military Intervention

Tuesday, September 24
7:30 p.m.
Buder Commons, Maryville University

The events unfolding in Syria raise a hornet’s nest of ethical questions. Should the UN authorize a military intervention there? What damage do interventions do to the sovereignty and political independence of countries? Should the United States participate in an intervention? Should the U.S. go it alone?

Three Maryville University professors will debate these questions and more, from three opposing positions:

Just War: Davis Brown, professor of political science

Realism: James Harf, Associate Vice-President and professor of political science

Pacifism: Johannes Wich-Schwarz, professor of English and board member of St. Louis Peace Economy Project

Moderator: Stephen DiSalvo, Director of Campus Ministry and Community Service

Katerina Canyon

Katerina Canyon serves as Executive Director of the Peace Economy Project, where she combines her passion for community advocacy, creative expression, and social justice to challenge militarization and uplift human-centered policy. Drawing on experience in tech, nonprofits, and international communication, she leads research and organizing focused on peace, accountability, and community investment. She is also a poet whose work explores trauma, resilience, and collective healing.