Just War Theory Just War Theory A doctrine

Just War Theory

Just War Theory • A doctrine of military ethics – When is it right to go to war? – How should we act during war? – What are our responsibilities after war? • Write your ideas for what you think should be included in any Just War criteria. Come up with a list of things that need to be met in order to justify war.

6 th Hour Just War Criteria • When is it right to go to war? – Defense of self and/or people who cannot defend themselves – Must be a last resort

6 th Hour Just War Criteria • How should we act during war? – Don’t harm civilians – No excessive force

6 th Hour Just War Criteria • What are our responsibilities after war? – All parties involved must pitch in to compensate for damages – Create a treaty to avoid future conflict • Losers of the war get to participate in construction of the treaty – Be mature and don’t gloat – Do not leave the losers without a stable government in place – Ensure the losers have a say in the history that is written about the war

8 th Hour Just War Criteria • When is it right to go to war? – Defense of self or others being oppressed – Must be a last resort

8 th Hour Just War Criteria • How should we act during war? – Don’t target civilians; work to minimize civilian casualties – Proceed with caution – No nuclear or chemical weapons, or mines – Evacuate civilians prior to combat – By any means necessary: win! – No torture – Educate everyone about the conflict and all involved

8 th Hour Just War Criteria • What are our responsibilities after war? – All parties contribute to reconstruction via an international organization like the UN – Take care of injured, both physical and mental – Cultural exchange program between those formerly at war – Help civilians recover, but do not help rebuild infrastructure of former enemy – Create a fair treaty – Ensure the payback of debts accrued during war

Classic Just War Theory • When is it right to go to war? – Just reason • Must have a good reason, like decreasing suffering; not to punish people or take things – Competent authority • Only appointed authorities can declare war – Probability of success • Must be likely to win – Last resort • All other options must be tried first – Proportionality • The benefits must outweigh the expected harms

Classic Just War Theory • How should we act during war? – Distinction • War should be directed toward enemy combatants, not toward non-combatants caught in a situation they did not create – Proportionality • Attacks must not exceed what is necessary for military advantage – Military necessity • Use as little force as you can to win – Fair treatment of prisoners • No torture or other mistreatment – No evil tactics • No rape, plunder, etc. ; no using weapons that cannot be controlled

Classic Just War Theory • What are our responsibilities after war? – Right intention • No revenge • Both the victors and the defeated must be accountable for war crimes – Public declaration and authority • Peace agreements must be made by legitimate authority – Discrimination • Victors must differentiate between political and military leaders, and combatants and civilians – Proportionality • Any terms of surrender must not be excessive compared to the rights initially violated