Just War
JUST WAR In this article, firstly I will try to explain the history of Just War, and then by examining Melian dialogue, I will compare realistic and idealistic idea. After that I will explain the basis of right of individuals and right of society, After that I will touch upon the principles of a just cause (jus ad bellum) for war which is called Theory of Aggression and just act (jus en bello) in war which is called War Convention by Michael Walzer. Then I will try to find out Walzer’s Legalist Paradigm and War Convention base on the extent to which the rights of individuals and communities are upheld. Then I will criticize some war tactics which are siege or blockade, Terrorist attacks and Guerrilla fighting. Then I will finish my essay with my comment on Just War Theory.
Just War notion is a product of West World. It was first based upon natural law and it evolved an ultimate system that is based upon idealistic thoughts and performs to confine the limits of wars. According to the just war theory, some principles can be thought under the dimensions of “Jus ad bellum” and “”Jus in bello” which are Latin origin. And battling sides are expected to obey these rules. Besides being vulnerable of different interpretations, the said principles are serving as the basis of positive law regulations.
With his famous “Just and Unjust Wars” book Michael Walzer attempt to determine that under certain circumstances, wars could be just or not. The Melian Dialogue which is at the beginning of the book is a good example for comparing realist idea and idealist idea. This is a quite a tragic event. But this dialogue is very important in terms of showing us that comparison realist and idealist idea. In my opinion war can not be just in this situation. To briefly summarize this dialogue; the dominant empire of Athenians enforces Melians submission or destruction. But the Melians reject this offer, after that the Athenians subject the city to a long and
Just War notion is a product of West World. It was first based upon natural law and it evolved an ultimate system that is based upon idealistic thoughts and performs to confine the limits of wars. According to the just war theory, some principles can be thought under the dimensions of “Jus ad bellum” and “”Jus in bello” which are Latin origin. And battling sides are expected to obey these rules. Besides being vulnerable of different interpretations, the said principles are serving as the basis of positive law regulations.
With his famous “Just and Unjust Wars” book Michael Walzer attempt to determine that under certain circumstances, wars could be just or not. The Melian Dialogue which is at the beginning of the book is a good example for comparing realist idea and idealist idea. This is a quite a tragic event. But this dialogue is very important in terms of showing us that comparison realist and idealist idea. In my opinion war can not be just in this situation. To briefly summarize this dialogue; the dominant empire of Athenians enforces Melians submission or destruction. But the Melians reject this offer, after that the Athenians subject the city to a long and
References: Walzer, Michael. “Just and Unjust Wars”, Fourth Edition. Basic Books, New York. 2006. Walzer, Michael. “Arguing About War”. Yale University Press. 2004. Gillo Pontecorvo, “The Battle of Algiers”, Video, 1966.