William Shakespeare

Just war theory

'Tis a vexing question, this 'Just War Theory', for how does one define justice in the midst of a conflict? Is it a matter of might or right? Is it a case of the victor deciding what is just, or is there a deeper moral code that governs our actions in such dire times? I ponder these questions in my thoughts, and yet the answer is unclear. I can only offer my own opinion, that in a just war, the cause must be just and the cost of waging war must be weighed against the benefit it will bring. The ends must justify the means, for if the cost is too high, then the war has been fought for naught. In this sense, a just war theory is not a matter of might, but of right. It is a matter of morality, of weighing the consequences of a war, of deciding what is best for all involved. It is a matter of honor and integrity, of doing what is just, even if it goes against one's own self-interest. I cannot say for certain if a just war theory is a fool's errand, but I can say that it is a noble pursuit. It is a path that requires deep thought and consideration, and it is not one to be taken lightly. For in the heat of battle, it can be all too easy to forget the importance of justice and morality.