Just War Theory

1. Just War Theory

2. 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 thinkshould be included in any Just War criteria. Come up with a list of things that need to be met in order to justify war.

3. 6thHour 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

4. 6thHour Just War Criteria • How should we act during war? • Don’t harm civilians • No excessive force

5. 6thHour 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

6. 8thHour Just War Criteria • When is it right to go to war? • Defense of self or others being oppressed • Must be a last resort

7. 8thHour 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. 8thHour 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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