Foundations of International Relations: The Use of Force

Definitions of Force
  • Force: An aggressive act that does not amount to assault but is necessary to accomplish an objective.
  • Deadly Force: Intended or known to cause death or serious bodily injury.
Introduction to Military Power
  • Military power is significant in International Relations (IR) due to the anarchical nature of the global system.
  • No world government exists; states must defend themselves when attacked.
  • Deterrence: The threat of force can prevent conflict.
  • Military power influences a state's foreign policy and can be utilized in both forceful and peaceful manners.
  • Forceful Use: Physical evidence of destruction is often visible.
Continuum of Force Pyramid
  • Pyramid Structure:
    • Deadly Force
    • Impact Weapons
    • Chemical Agents
    • Empty Hand Control
    • Presence and Verbal Communication
Types of Force
  1. Preventive Force: Planned action carried out at a time of the attacker's choosing.
  2. Preemptive Force: Used when a government believes the use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) is imminent, necessitating an immediate strike to avoid disadvantages.
  3. Counter-Value Strategy: Targets adversary population centers.
  4. Counter-Force Strategy: Aims to destroy strategic weapons and military capabilities.
Peaceful Use of Military Power
  • Involves threats rather than actual force; diplomacy precedes warfare.
  • Compromise between states with conflicting interests is vital.
  • Knowledge of potential force eases negotiation.
  • Power Assets
    • Population: Size, education, skills
    • Geography: Size, location, natural resources
    • Governance: Effectiveness of political systems
    • Values: Ideological norms and standards.
Determinants of the Use of Force
  • Wealth: Level, sources, nature of the productive economy.
  • Leadership: Political skills of leaders and their influence.
  • Population: Size and social structure.
  • Military Power: Nature, size, and composition of military forces.
  • In rank order: Wealth, political skill, military power.
  • Principle function of government: Protect citizens. States act according to their national interests.
  • UN Charter Article 2(4): Prohibits the use of force.
Legal Framework for Use of Force
  1. Offensive Use: Resorting to force when other means have failed.
  2. Defensive Use: Protection against attacks, potentially seen as a passive measure.
  3. Deterrence: Aiming to dissuade wrongdoings by instilling fear of consequences.
  • International Humanitarian Law: Prohibitions against attacks on civilians, torture, etc.
Military Strategy and Tactics
  • Strategy: Planning and direction of military operations.
  • Tactics: Short-term decisions on troop movements and weaponry use.
  • Strategic Weapons: Long-range capabilities (e.g., ICBMs, SLBMs).
  • Tactical Weapons: Intermediate-range technologies (e.g., NATO Tomahawk missiles).
Just War Theory
  • Originated in the Middle Ages; only public authorities can initiate hostilities.
  • Requirement for moral certainty before going to war (jus ad bellum).
  • Must have reasonable prospects for restoring order and good post-conflict.
  • Conduct must be ethical and not intrinsically immoral (jus in bello).
  • Principles of Proportionality and Discrimination:
    • Proportionality: War's destruction should be proportional to the cause.
    • Discrimination: Innocents must not be targeted.
Modern Use of Force
  • Governments must exhaust peaceful means before resorting to violence.
  • UN Security Council's Role: Authorizes collective action under Chapters VI and VII of the UN Charter.
  • Article 51: Right to self-defense if armed aggression occurs.
Conclusion
  • Military power is more effective for defense rather than conquest.
  • Collaboration is essential post-conquest for peace and legitimacy.
  • Compellence is more challenging than deterrence.
  • In civil conflicts, dialogue may offer a better path than force, especially if aligned incorrectly with nationalism.