just war theory can be found in almost all major cultures. but since war was a business that could not be easily stopped, some aimed to constrain it. in its classic form, just war theory has been around for several centuries—ever since nationhood in europe replaced provincial governments. having made some introductory considerations, i will ask: should just war theory be left as it is, changed,...

Michael Walzer argues that except in cases involving genocide or mass slaughter, humanitarian intervention is unjustifiable because “citizens get the government they deserve, or, at least, the government for which they are ‘fit.’”1 Yet, if people are autonomous and deserve the government that rules over them, then it would seem that they are responsible for the government’s actions, including t...

The traditional theory of the just war comprises two sets of principles, one governing the resort to war ( jus ad bellum) and the other governing the conduct of war ( jus in bello). The two sets of principles are regarded, in Michael Walzer’s words, as “logically independent. It is perfectly possible for a just war to be fought unjustly and for an unjust war to be fought in strict accordance wi...

This article examines the meanings of “attack” in international law. It points out that the term is used in two distinct bodies of that law. First, the term “armed attack” appears in the jus ad bellum, which governs when a State may resort to force as an instrument of its national policy. In that context, it serves as a condition precedent to the resort to force in self-defence pursuant to Arti...

I The Traditional Theory of the Just War The traditional theory of the just war comprises two sets of principles, one governing the resort to war (jus ad bellum) and the other governing the conduct of war (jus in bello). One of the central pillars of the traditional theory is that the two set of principles are, in Michael Walzer's words, " logically independent. It is perfectly possible for a j...

With the rapid development of space information technology and constant advancement of militarization of outer space, the legal aspects of information operations in outer space have aroused the attention of international community. Information operations in outer space have brand-new features and means, which are apparently different from those of traditional operations, thus challenging almost...

According to the Just War tradition a war can only be just if two sets of principles are satisfied. First there is the jus ad bellum. These principles tell us when it is just to start a war. There has to be a good reason or a just cause in order for a war to be morally permissible (self-defense, defense of others, putting a stop to human rights violations). The decision to go to war has to be t...