Just War Theory

The basic framework of just war theory is introduced in his article and its central motivation analyzed. It is argued that the just war tradition provides the best framework for discussing the moral arguments for and against humanitarian intervention the JAB is of primary interest. Because immoral ways of waging war or intervention will often cast doubt on its over- all legitimacy. The conditions of the JAB, especially that of just cause, are these days treated more restrictively than in past so that a just war has tended to be seen primarily as a defensive war. Military interventions in the affairs of other states without the warrant of self- defense or defense of allies were largely ruled out, both morally and legally. As Coady would quote in his article stating that “ If a nation is sometimes entitles to use violence in its own defense, then surely other nations may come to its aid as long as their objective is indeed to help repel the attack and no more.” Though this seems easy in theory, in practice, it’s not often the case. Most states ally with other states primarily for their own interest; which is to exploit the state that has been invaded for its resources.

The older tradition of allowing certain aggressive wars to be morally licit fell into disrepute during the latter half of the twentieth century, and the reasons for this are explored in the article. Warfare destroys lives and property, as well as economic and diplomatic measures. Coady’s article discusses Hobbe’s romantic idea of war which is characterized as an epic event which turns boys into men. And like the author, I found the concept to be distrustful. The belief is that they men can only develop the qualities that make them desirable and honorable only at war.  These qualities can be acquired through sports or academia. For instance, the Olympics involve determination courage and honor to excel and represent ones country is a way to acquire the said qualities. The Romantics failed to view war as a violent event that caused gruesome death and also traumatized the soldiers.Despite Hobbe’s theory and the other romantic theories on war prevention being effeminate and cowardly, I would regard this unlikely as America has avoided war for a long time and the only reason it’s at war is because it was a last resort and as a mode of self defense. Diplomatic means have often helped the United States; it has helped build it to this great nation with a leading economic state.