“Just War” Doctrines

St. Thomas Aquinas--Summa Theologicae--1265-1273

Jus ad bellum Jus in belli

Just cause

Self defense protect rights from agression

Competent authority

Typically sovereign governments What about revolution? Terrorist groups? Wars of liberation

Right intention

Not for self aggrandizement not for aggression

Proportional response

Response must be appropriate for the provocation

no over reaction

Must have a chance of winning

No suicide attacks surrender if hopeless

Must have a chance of winning

No suicide attacks surrender if hopeless

Peaceful alternatives must be exhausted “give peace a chance” not first option, but last

A war is just if:

Just cause right intention proper authority proportional response chance of winning peaceful alternative exhausted