American Just War Theory

American Just War Theory provides ethical guidelines for ethical military action, balancing the morality of going to war and conducting war. It asserts that war is justified only under specific conditions, such as self-defense or protecting innocent lives, and must be declared by lawful authority. The theory emphasizes principles like proportionality, meaning the violence used must be appropriate to the threat, and discrimination, avoiding harm to non-combatants. It aims to ensure that warfare is morally justified, conducted responsibly, and aimed at restoring peace rather than causing unnecessary suffering.