Just War Theory 3 - After War

Justice After War

In a previous post I discussed just reasons for going to war. Last post, I discussed just actions during war. This post will discuss just actions at the end or and after war. When victory has been achieved, it is required to offer mercy and peace to those who surrender.

Just cause for termination

There are two just reasons to end a just war. The first, is when the war is won and the aggressor is willing to negotiate the terms of surrender. These terms of surrender include a formal apology, compensations, war crimes trials, and rehabilitation. The second, is if it becomes clear that any just goals of the war cannot be reached at all or cannot be reached without using excessive force.

Right intention

After the war, revenge by either side is not allowed. The winning side must also be willing to apply the same level of objectivity and investigation into any war crimes its armed forces may have committed.

Public declaration and authority

The terms of peace must be negotiated, made, and accepted by legitimate authorities on both sides.

Discrimination

The winning side is to differentiate between political and military leaders, and combatants and civilians. Punitive measures are to be limited to those directly responsible for the conflict.

Proportionality

Any terms of surrender must be proportional to the rights that were initially violated.