What Are the Rules of War? Just War Theory

Summary

This video explores Just War Theory, an ethical framework for determining when and how war is justified. Using the Iraq War as a case study, it examines the criteria for a just war, including 'just cause,' 'right intention,' and 'proportionality.' The script delves into the complexities of war ethics, such as whether pre-emptive or preventive actions are justified, and how the conduct of war should remain humane. It also touches on evolving philosophical perspectives, the impact of technology, and the ethical considerations of war's aftermath. Ultimately, it highlights the challenges of applying Just War Theory to real-world decisions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Just War Theory is an ethical framework used to decide when and how it is morally acceptable to go to war and how to conduct it once engaged.
• 😀 Jus ad Bellum asks 'What should a nation consider before going to war?' and includes six criteria to determine if war is justified.
• 😀 Jus in Bello focuses on the ethical conduct of war, ensuring that the actions during the war are just, including the treatment of civilians and military targets.
• 😀 The six criteria of Jus ad Bellum are: Just Cause, Right Intention, Legitimate Authority, Probability of Success, Proportionality, and Last Resort.
• 😀 The Bush administration's argument for the Iraq War included the threat of weapons of mass destruction, but critics question the evidence supporting this claim.
• 😀 The principle of Proportionality asks whether the benefits of war outweigh the harms, considering the loss of life, destruction, and long-term impacts.
• 😀 The criterion of Last Resort suggests that war should only occur if all other diplomatic options have been exhausted, which is contested in the case of Iraq.
• 😀 Jus in Bello's ethical guidelines include targeting only legitimate military objectives and ensuring proportionality in the damage caused during the war.
• 😀 Critics argue that the Iraq War did not meet the Just War criteria, citing the lack of definitive proof of weapons of mass destruction and the large-scale civilian casualties.
• 😀 Just War Theory continues to evolve, addressing modern challenges such as the use of drones, autonomous weapon systems, and the exclusion of women in war discussions.

Q & A

What is Just War Theory?

Just War Theory is an ethical framework used to decide when it is acceptable to go to war and how that war should be fought. It is divided into two main categories: jus ad bellum, which concerns the justification for going to war, and jus in bello, which addresses the conduct of war once it has started.

What is the difference between jus ad bellum and jus in bello?

Jus ad bellum focuses on the criteria for justifying going to war, while jus in bello pertains to the ethical conduct during the war itself, including how the war is fought and the targets of military actions.

What are the six criteria under jus ad bellum for justifying a war?

The six criteria are: 1) Just cause, 2) Right intention, 3) Legitimate authority, 4) Probability of success, 5) Proportionality, and 6) Last resort.

How does the concept of 'just cause' play into Just War Theory?

'Just cause' refers to the moral reason for going to war, such as self-defense or the defense of others. A nation must have a legitimate reason to go to war, and self-defense is the most widely accepted justification.

What is the distinction between pre-emptive and preventive war in the context of Just War Theory?

Pre-emptive war occurs when a nation acts because there is clear evidence that an enemy is about to attack, whereas preventive war is based on the fear that an attack may happen in the future, but without definitive evidence.

Why was the Iraq War considered controversial with regard to the 'right intention' criterion?

The Bush administration claimed that the Iraq War aimed to depose Saddam Hussein and promote democracy. However, many questioned whether the war was truly motivated by humanitarian goals or whether it was driven by other interests, such as securing control over Iraq's oil resources.

What does the 'probability of success' criterion in Just War Theory mean?

This criterion suggests that a nation should only go to war if there is a reasonable chance of achieving success. If the war is unlikely to succeed, the loss of life and resources would be unjustifiable.

What is the principle of proportionality in Just War Theory?

Proportionality asks whether the benefits of war (such as achieving peace or justice) outweigh the harm caused by the war itself. The destruction caused by the war must be justified by the positive outcome that it aims to achieve.

What is the criterion of 'last resort' in Just War Theory?

'Last resort' means that a nation should only go to war after exhausting all other possible alternatives, such as diplomatic efforts or negotiations. The decision to go to war should be made only when all peaceful means have been fully attempted and failed.

How does 'jus in bello' address the conduct of war?

'Jus in bello' focuses on how the war is fought, specifically ensuring that combatants target only legitimate military targets and avoid harming civilians. It also addresses issues such as proportionality in the use of force and the necessity of actions taken during the conflict.