The document discusses the principles of just war theory, which was developed by Christians in the 5th century to provide moral justification for war. It outlines six criteria for a just war: just cause, competent authority, right intention, last resort, probability of success, and proportionality. Each criterion is explained with examples of just and unjust scenarios. The document concludes by introducing an activity where students will analyze past and potential conflicts using the just war criteria.

1. Just War When is war the answer?

2. Questions to ponder When should a country go to war? Describe three instances. Which of the above instances are YOU willing to fight for? Die for? Justify your answer.

3. Just War Theory A moral defense of war. Developed by Christians in the 5th century to balance the beliefs of Christianity with the need to go to war. A system to justify the use of force. Principles include: Just cause, competent authority, right intention, last resort, probability of success, proportionality

4. Just Cause War is permissible only to confront a real and certain danger. Example Country A is invaded by Country B, Country A must go to war. Non-Example Country B invades Country A because Country A’s leader might attack them sometime in the future.

5. Competent Authority War must be declared by those with responsibility for public order. Example The President of Country A declares war on Country B. Non-Example The newspapers in Country A declare war on Country B. After the fighting has started, the President declares war.

6. Right Intention Motives for responding to the cause must be just, they must be in line with the Just Cause. Example Country C enters the war because Country B is a friend and the invasion by Country A is a violation of international law Non-Example Country C enters the war because Country B offered money.

7. Last Resort All peaceful alternatives must have been exhausted. Example Country A attempted to settle differences with Country B, but Country B refuse to negotiate. Non-Example Country A invaded without attempting to work out problems with Country B.

8. Probability of Success Must have reasonable grounds for believing that cause can be achieved. Example Before Country C decides to get involved in the war, it measures its military power with potential enemies. Non-Example Country C brings a knife to a gun fight.

9. Proportionality Must be confident that resorting to war will do more good than harm. Example Country C enters the war, helps Country A and is able to restore peace to the world. Non-Example Country B wins the war, but suffers so many costs and human loses, that it takes 50 years to recover.

10. Just War Scenarios You will now be broken into groups to analyze past and potential conflicts. You must read the summary of the conflict, then determine if a war can be justified by the criteria outline in the Just War notes.

11. Just War Scenarios Past Conflicts NATO Intervention in Kosovo in 1999 The Persian Gulf War Current/Future Conflicts U.S. War on Terrorism (current) India/Pakistan War (future?) Iraq/U.S. War (future?)