Shivya Khanna
BA (HONS) Political Science
23527/60
Ethics Of War: Balance of just and unjust
The ethics of war refers to the moral principles governing the justification and conduct of war. It
explores when, why, and how wars can be fought ethically. The field is primarily grounded in just war
theory, which assesses the reasons for war, conduct during war, and post-war responsibilities. It is
Rooted in normative ethics and it explores how ethical principles guide human behavior in conflict.
All the рhilоsорhiсаl theories on this tорiс саn mоre оr less fit intо three саtegоries:
1. Роlitiсаl Reаlism
2. Just Wаr Theоry
3. Расifism
Political realism generally known as realism is a school of thought in the international relations. Роlitiсаl
reаlism аttemрts tо define аnd рresсribe nаtiоnаl interest аs the mаin mоtive in роlitiсаl
relаtiоns. The advocates of realism lay a great emphasis on power and security and believe that the
international arena is a sort of anarchy in which the main task of the state is to protect the national
interest and acquire power.
According to the realist thinkers ,the main motive to go for a war is national interest and the hunger to
acquire more power.
Example:
In the current scenario is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. From a realistic perspective,
Russia's actions were driven by national interests, such as maintaining control over its region and
preventing Ukraine from getting too close to the West, especially NATO. Russia sees NATO’s expansion
as a threat to its security.
Just War Theory
Just War Theory is а very famous perspective on ethiсs оf wаr. According to this theory, a war is only
justified if it meets certain ethical criteria, such as a just cause (e.g., self-defense), legitimate authority,
and proportionality (the damage caused must be balanced by the benefits).
Example:
In the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel’s military response to Hamas’s attacks can be justified as self-
defense. However, concerns about proportionality and discrimination between military and
civilian targets have raised ethical questions, especially regarding civilian casualties in Gaza.
Pacifism
Is a school of thought that argues for peace over violence in international relations. Pacifists believe
that conflicts should be resolved through non-violent means like diplomacy, dialogue, and negotiation,
rather than through war or force. The central idea is that war only leads to unnecessary suffering and
destruction, and that peaceful solutions are not only morally superior but also more effective in creating
lasting stability and cooperation between nations.
Example:
The ongoing peace advocacy in the Israel-Hamas conflict, where international humanitarian
groups and peace activists are calling for a ceasefire and urging both sides to seek diplomatic solutions
rather than continuing violence. These efforts reflect the pacifist belief that peaceful dialogue is a better
approach than warfare for resolving deep-rooted conflicts.
In conclusion, while some view war as a necessary tool (realism), others believe it should be avoided at
all costs and we should find a middle ground (pacifism). Just war theory provides a framework to morally
evaluate when war is justified and how it should be conducted.
