Eli’s Mind

Just-war theory encompasses a set of ethical principles governing the use of military force, seeking to justify and regulate war in specific circumstances. The main principles revolve around jus ad bellum (justice before war) and jus in bello (justice during war). Under jus ad bellum, a just war must have a just cause, usually involving self-defense or protection of innocent lives; it must be declared by a legitimate authority, fought with the right intention, as a last resort, and with a reasonable chance of success. In jus in bello, the conduct during war must adhere to principles of proportionality, avoiding excessive force, and discrimination, aiming to minimize harm to non-combatants. Just-war theory seeks to balance the need for self-defense and protection of rights with the moral constraints that govern the resort to violence and the conduct in armed conflicts.