“The just war theory is central to this example. When is justified for a State government to employ military force against another State?

Is there any difference in the Spirit of the Natural Law principles between a small nation of 3 million and the national population of 150 million? In Natural Law theory, the principles are constant, regardless of the population size.

The law of the jungle logic may see that size difference as an opportunity for the bigger to exploit the smaller.   “Just war theory today is a composite that has evolved from ideas developed by various religious figures. In the 5th century, St. Augustine discussed in the City of God, the circumstances under which killing could be justified, and empires legitimately expanded.” (Encyclopedia, Just War Theory, 426 AD)  

In the 13th century, St. Thomas Aquinas laid out a more elaborate just war doctrine in his Summa Theologica.

He wrote that three conditions were necessary to make a war just: a competent authority must order it;

• the cause must be just;
• moreover, the combatants must have “a right intention so that they intend the advancement of good or the avoidance of evil.

Modern just war guidance involves both the decision to go to war (jus ad bellum) and how to fight one (jus in bello).

This latter set of criteria focuses on proportionality (how much force), targeting (avoiding non- combatants), and means (avoiding certain classes of weapons).

  WARS OF CHOICE

“The question is whether wars of choice can also be justifiable. By definition, wars of choice tend to involve less than vital interests and the existence of alternative policies. Vietnam, Kosovo, and Bosnia were all wars of choice.

So too was the second Iraq war, which began in 2003.” Are wars of choice ever justifiable?

The answer is “yes,” when using force is the best available policy option. The argument that the goal is worthy and that war is the best option for pursuing it should be strong enough to garner considerable domestic and international support.

More importantly, the case should be persuasive that using military force will accomplish more good for more people at a lower cost than diplomacy, sanctions, or inaction.

However, what about the future? The concept of justifiable war is not merely one for history. Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan are all potential theaters for new or intensified U.S. military action.

The question is not whether they would constitute just wars. That is too impractical a standard. The question in the real world is whether they would be justifiable to Congress, to the American people, to the world. It is a question the next President will have to answer.” (Richard.N.Hass, 2009)”………………….

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Victor Leinonen. A Claim For A True Worldview (Kindle Locations 4079-4093).