Just War vs. Total War

Just War and Total War represent two differing philosophies of warfare. Just War theory advocates that military action is only permissible under certain moral conditions, emphasizing principles like proportionality and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants. In contrast, Total War refers to a conflict where nations utilize all available resources and strategies, often blurring the lines between military and civilian targets, with fewer moral constraints. While Just War seeks to limit suffering and maintain ethics, Total War is characterized by its relentless pursuit of victory, often resulting in widespread destruction and civilian casualties.