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.

6th 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

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

6th 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

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

8th 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

8th 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