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Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions
Definitions | Issues | Case Studies | Ethical Responses | Christian Responses | Resources | Books | Links | Multimedia | In the News | Quizzes | Exam questions

Issues raised by war

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Just War

Nearly all ethical discussion about war focusses on one question: is war justified? In the case of a particular conflict, this means 'Was it right to go to war?' and 'Is the way the war is being fought just?'

These questions date back to Augustine, who is seen by many as the originator of 'Just War Theory'. When the Roman Empire became Christian, Augustine had to convince a pacifist religion that it was sometimes necessary to go to war. His thinking was developed by Aquinas and then more recently by other Catholic theologians. Today, most commentators in the West use the Just War criteria as their starting point, and although Western leaders may wish to challenge or change aspects of the theory, there is a tacit acceptance that the theory is actually broadly right.

Jus ad bellum

Jus ad bellum refers to the rules concerning the declaration of war, and includes:

  • Proper Authority - War should be declared by the proper authority
  • Just Cause - A nation should have a justifiable reason for declaring war
  • Right Intention - The outcome being sought should be noble, generally to bring about peace
  • Last Resort - Every effort should have been made to resolve a conflict diplomatically, without the use of force
  • Proportionality - The damage caused by going to war must not be greater than the good achieved
  • Win Possible - there should be a good chance of success
  • Comparative Justice - neither side will ever be without fault, but you need to be more right than your opponents

These criteria have remained broadly unchanged for centuries, although specific details have altered. For example, the UN Charter states that the UN should authorise any use of force beyond repelling an immediate armed attack against a sovereign territory. Some nations, however, do not recognise the UN's authority.

Jus in bello

A level text books describe this as 'Just Method'. This includes:

  • 'Discrimination' - that innocent people should not be targetted. As explained in the definitions of key terms, some commentators speak of 'civilians' or 'non-combatants' here
  • 'Proportionality' - as above, that military force should be proportional to the wrong endured and the outcome sought. Minimum force should be used to achieve the desired ends

Nuclear, Chemical and Biological weapons

Due to the nature of these weapons, it is generally agreed that the Jus in Bello criteria above cannot be met if chemical, nuclear or biological weapons are used. Obviously a lot depends on the nature of these weapons, and the term 'nuclear weapon' can apply to a broad range of devices. Where weapons kill indiscriminately, there are real concerns.

In 2006, cluster bombs were dropped on Lebanon. Only 40% of these exploded on contact, leaving more than half unexploded. Just like land-mines, these are still causing serious disability and death to innocent people, especially children, and will for many years to come. These sorts of weapons are also seen as a violation of Jus in Bello.

 

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