Just versus Unjust War

Term Paper # 99212

International Relations

An analysis of the issues that need to be considered with regards to the justice of war.

3,369 words () | 15 sources | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the theories of war and whether they are just or unjust. It analyzes various reasons why countries may go to war with one another. It also looks at external considerations that should be taken into account before going to war, such as potential civilian losses. The paper analyzes the concepts of internal and external jus in bello with regards to going to war. It then looks at the concept of jus ad bellum.

From the Paper:

"Technological advances, however, do not alter the fact that reasons to go to war, the casualties of human life in the process of war and the moral concepts behind beginning wars still must be considered. Nations, regardless of their world position or allies, must be capable of entering battle with behaviors that are just. These behaviors allow people to determine when there is no other alternative to prevent unjust actions from occurring but to enter a war. Without these principles to guide leaders and those involved in military operations the world would be subjected to only terrorism and each person that participating in retaliatory measures would be no more than terrorists themselves."

Sample of Sources Used:

Friedman, Thomas. "Just Shut It Down". New York Times. 2006. 3 August 2006. < http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/27/opinion/27friedman.html?ex=1274846400&en=f9e24fe818e6fd3a&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss>
Hahn, Robert and Jezior, Bonnie. "Urban Warfare and the Urban Warfighter of 2025". U.S. Army War College Quarterly. 1999. 3 August 2006. < http://www.carlisle.army.mil/USAWC/parameters/99summer/hahn.htm>
"Hugo Grotius". Oregon State. 3 August 2006. <http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/phl302/philosophers/grotius.html>
"Israeli War Planes Hit Beirut Suburb". CNN. 2006. 3 August 2006. < http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/13/mideast/index.html>
"Just War Theory". Just War Theory. 3 August 2006. <http://www.iep.utm.edu/j/justwar.htm#H3>