Untitled

Essential Question

  • How does the International Community define a “Just War”?

Process

Step 1: Read "jus ad bellum" - Just War Theory

  • Apply this to the reasons given for the US Invasion of Iran in 2026.

"Jus ad Bellum" - Criteria for Just War

  1. Just Cause
       - Definition: A nation must wage war for a cause of justice. The foremost just cause is the self-defense of a nation that is physically and aggressively attacked by another nation.

  2. Right Intention
       - Definition: The nation must have the right motives for waging war, ensuring that the just cause is attained by the end of the conflict.    - Ulterior motives such as racial or ethnic hatred or land acquisition cannot be present.

  3. Proper Authority and Public Declaration
       - Definition: Only proper state authorities can decide to go to war in accordance with national laws.    - The declaration of war must be made public to both citizens and the adversarial nation. Lack of this process results in illegitimacy in waging war.

  4. Last Resort
       - Definition: War may only be resorted to after all peaceful diplomatic means have been exhausted.    - The state must demonstrate that no reasonable alternatives are available to right the wrong.

  5. Probability of Success
       - Definition: War should only be initiated if there's a reasonable likelihood of success due to the inherent harm of warfare.    - Note: While many just war theorists recognize this as a precondition, it is not included in international law, which aims to protect the rights of weaker states.

  6. Proportionality
       - Definition: A state must weigh the potential universal good against the universal evil (death and destruction) that war will incite.    - In a just war, the advantages gained from victory must outweigh the cost in human life.

Application of "jus ad bellum" to the US Invasion of Iran in 2026

Step 2: Justification Chart (To be analyzed based on the principles)

  • Iran Justification    1. Just Cause
          - Included: They are building Nuclear Weapons.
          - Missing: According to the President, Iran's Nuclear Capabilities were destroyed in June of 2025.
           

Step 3: Conclusion on the Justification of US Invasion of Iran

  • Based on the "jus ad bellum" criteria, analyze the justification of the US invasion of Iran in 2026.

  • Responses (In Red Font):
       - Analyze whether the invasion meets the criteria for a Just War, specifically focusing on Just Cause, Right Intention, Last Resort, and Proportionality.

Conclusion

  • Consideration of Just War Theory in the context of historical and contemporary warfare, emphasizing the ethical implications and decision-making processes of states regarding military action.