July
2
2017
Just War
Just War
War is justifiable under certain circumstances. There are 7 principles that will help guide our thinking.
- A Just Cause- Defensive wars are just; unprovoked aggression and attempts to plunder are not.
- Just Intention- Revenge, conquest, economic gain or mere ideological supremacy are not just intentions. Just wars protect or rescue people from a hostile attack.
- Last Resort- All forms of nonviolent methods of solving the disputes must be exhausted.
- Formal Declaration of war made by a nation. Terrorists, militias, and mercenaries can’t declare war.
- Limited Objectives- The goal of a war should never be complete destruction of the opposing nation. Hostilities must stop as soon as the objectives have been reached.
- Proportionate Means. Only the level of force necessary to secure victory should be utilized. Annihilation is out of the question.
- Safety of Noncombatants: Every effort must be made to protect civilians.