By LARUE DIEHL
Just War Theory addresses
the two major problems associated with armed
conflict: whether the decision to wage war
is morally justified and how the conflict
should be carried out. Traditionally, the
theory is comprised of two major considerations:
“Jus ad bellum” and “jus in bellum.”
“Jus ad bellum”
asks, “Does a country have a right to go
to war?” The answer rests on six criteria:
There must be competent
authority for declaring war. This is determined
by the sovereignty of a country, acting
in accordance with its laws, as well as
binding international law.
War should be supported
by a just cause. Initiation of aggression
is wrong, and thus may be justly resisted.
War as an exercise in self-defense is
just, although some allowances are made
for pre-emption in the case of imminent
attack.
Wars should be launched
with the proper intention. War should
be fought with just intentions, such as
protecting the nation, restoring peace
and protecting the innocent.
War must be a last resort,
initiated only after all peaceful alternatives
have been exhausted.
The war should have
a reasonable probability of success. Considering
the inevitable cost of life and materials,
a war that cannot be won ought not to
be fought.
Proportionality — its
costs and benefits — must be considered.
The destruction of life, resources and
the environment cannot outweigh the good
that will come about by the war.
If war is just, “jus
in bellum” is meant to ensure it is engaged
properly and fought justly. Determining who
and what is a legitimate target of military
action must be observed. The use of any level
of force must be morally justified. Violence
must be tempered in such a way that destruction
is minimized.
Read more about Just
War Theory in the Internet
Encylopedia of Philosophy.
MORE:
• Fighting
the Good Fight
•
What is a Just War?
• The
Soul of a Soldier
• Denominational
Statements on Iraq
• About
the Authors
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