The Just War Theory (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes

11.5.4 The Just War Theory

Definition of a Just War

Origins of Just War Theory

• Christian Development: The concept of a just war was developed by Christian theologians Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. They outlined conditions under which war could be considered justifiable and ethical.
• Just War Theory: This theory provides guidelines on when war is justifiable (before the war) and how it should be conducted (during the war) to ensure that it remains ethical.

Conditions of a Just War

To be considered just, a war must meet the following conditions:

1. Just Cause: The reason for going to war must be just and cannot be for revenge, conquest, or economic gain. Common just causes include self-defense or defending others from aggression.
2. Proper Authority: The war must be declared by a legitimate authority, such as a government or ruler, not by individuals or groups without legal standing.
3. Right Intention: The intention behind the war must be to promote good or prevent evil, not for personal gain or power.
4. Last Resort: War should only be undertaken after all other peaceful alternatives have been tried and failed.
5. Reasonable Chance of Success: There must be a reasonable chance that the war will succeed in its objectives to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
6. Proportional Force: The force used in the war must be proportional to the harm being prevented or rectified.

Rules for Conducting a Just War

Even if a war meets the criteria to be considered just, it must also be fought according to certain ethical rules:

• Protection of Civilians: Civilians should not be targeted, and every effort must be made to avoid harming them.
• Use of Appropriate Force: Only the force necessary to achieve the objectives should be used. Excessive or unnecessary violence is not justified.
• Obedience to International Conventions: International agreements, such as the Geneva Conventions, must be followed to ensure the war is conducted ethically and humanely.

Muslim Perspectives on Just War

• Lesser Jihad: In Islam, the concept of Lesser Jihad involves the outward struggle to defend one's faith, family, and country from external threats. It is similar to the Just War theory, with specific conditions under which war is justified.
• Conduct in War:
  • Rules by the First Caliph, Abu Bakr:
  • Muslim armies must not harm innocent civilians, animals, fruit-bearing trees, or religious figures like monks.
  • Dead bodies should not be mutilated, and prisoners must be treated humanely.
  • Proportional Warfare: Wars should be fought proportionally, without excessive violence or anger, and with the goal of maintaining peace.
  • Conditions for Soldiers: Soldiers must be of sound mind and body, and prisoners should be treated with dignity.

Similarities with Lesser Jihad

• Common Conditions: Both the Just War theory in Christianity and the principles of Lesser Jihad in Islam emphasise the importance of just cause, proportionality, proper authority, and the protection of innocents during warfare.

Summary

• Just War Theory: Developed by Augustine and Aquinas, it outlines the ethical conditions and rules for when and how war can be justifiably fought.
• Conditions: Just cause, proper authority, right intention, last resort, reasonable chance of success, and proportional force are necessary for a war to be considered just.
• Conduct in War: Civilians should be protected, only necessary force should be used, and international conventions must be followed.
• Islamic Perspective: Similar to Just War, Lesser Jihad also sets conditions for justified warfare and emphasises ethical conduct in war, as guided by the teachings of the first Caliph, Abu Bakr.