Just War Doctrine
The Just War Doctrine consists of a set of criteria which must be met before a government can legitimately declare war and subsequently use lethal force. In this application paper, I will assess and scrutinize the fabric of the Grenada War in the attempt to convey the veridicality of the Just War Doctrine and the actions set forth during said war. The criteria of a just war according to the Just War Doctrine are a Just Cause, Legitimate Authority, Right Intention, Probability of Success, Proportionality, and Last Resort (Kisling 258-259). A “just cause” means that a community or nation is in danger of suffering damage that is lasting, grave, or certain (Kisling 258). It is not justified to wage war in order to gain new territory, increase
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Such alternatives require an authority that is for the common good and whose intentions are right. These alternatives include diplomacy, embargoes, blockades, covert actions, raids, and other means that avoid an all-out war. It is not necessary that all of these be tried and found wanting. It is sufficient that they are seriously considered and, if found to be impractical, are not actually employed. In order for a war to be "just," it must have a serious prospect of success (Kisling 259). Of course, there is no way to know the outcome of a war in advance. Many factors can change the outcome of a war, such as, other nations unexpectedly entering the conflict, loss of public will, internal betrayal, new political considerations, change in government, etc. What is required is the serious possibility of success before war is …show more content…
War always kills people and damages property. With the advent of modern weapons of mass destruction, the damage to people and property can be enormous and henceforth, measures should be taken to avoid such unfortunate realities. In addition, war creates economic burdens and changes the alignment of national alliances. Those who are responsible for deciding to go to war must do their best to attempt to foresee if the damage caused by starting a war will be
Kemble 3 greater than if things are allowed to run their course or other methods of resolving the conflict, however inadequate, are employed. A nation should use force only as a last resort, for all other peaceful means should be examined and, if possible, utilized before the decision is made to go to war (Kisling 259).
In 1983 the United States invaded the island of Grenada and overthrew the communist government in a span of less than two months (libcom). Problems between the US and the Caribbean nation began in 1979 (while the Cold War was still in effect) when a bloodless coup placed the pro-Marxist Maurice Bishop as the Prime Minister, which led to strengthened ties between Grenada and communist nations like Cuba and the Soviet Union
Such alternatives require an authority that is for the common good and whose intentions are right. These alternatives include diplomacy, embargoes, blockades, covert actions, raids, and other means that avoid an all-out war. It is not necessary that all of these be tried and found wanting. It is sufficient that they are seriously considered and, if found to be impractical, are not actually employed. In order for a war to be "just," it must have a serious prospect of success (Kisling 259). Of course, there is no way to know the outcome of a war in advance. Many factors can change the outcome of a war, such as, other nations unexpectedly entering the conflict, loss of public will, internal betrayal, new political considerations, change in government, etc. What is required is the serious possibility of success before war is …show more content…
War always kills people and damages property. With the advent of modern weapons of mass destruction, the damage to people and property can be enormous and henceforth, measures should be taken to avoid such unfortunate realities. In addition, war creates economic burdens and changes the alignment of national alliances. Those who are responsible for deciding to go to war must do their best to attempt to foresee if the damage caused by starting a war will be
Kemble 3 greater than if things are allowed to run their course or other methods of resolving the conflict, however inadequate, are employed. A nation should use force only as a last resort, for all other peaceful means should be examined and, if possible, utilized before the decision is made to go to war (Kisling 259).
In 1983 the United States invaded the island of Grenada and overthrew the communist government in a span of less than two months (libcom). Problems between the US and the Caribbean nation began in 1979 (while the Cold War was still in effect) when a bloodless coup placed the pro-Marxist Maurice Bishop as the Prime Minister, which led to strengthened ties between Grenada and communist nations like Cuba and the Soviet Union