“So long as there are men, there will be wars.” - – Albert Einstein
“Not every war is worth fighting….” – Naushad
Just Conduct of War
Discrimination: Force must be directed at military targets only because civilians or non-combatants are innocent.
Proportionality: Force should be proportional.
Humanity: Force must not be directed ever against enemy personnel if they are captured, wounded or under control (prisoners of war).
Last Resort: All non- violent options must have been exhausted
Just Cause: The Purpose of war is to redress a wrong
Legitimate Authority: Lawfully constituted government of a sovereign state can declare war, rather than a private individual or group.
Right intention: War must be prosecuted on morally acceptable aims rather than revenge
Reasonable prospect of success: War should not be fought in a hopeless cause Proportionality: Any response to an attack should be measured and proportionate
Way Forward:
International Cooperation to establish peace Ex. Recently, Israel and UAE Normalization Agreement.
Compassionate view towards vulnerable sections Ex. UN Peace army to establish peace in African Countries
Mutual Agreement for long lasting peace
End of arm race Ex. New Start Treaty between Russia and USA
Mutual respect for respective sovereignty
Conclusion
Mahabharata outlines the principles and contours in the conduct of a just war. Some rules propounded where armies were allowed to collect bodies, personnel could meet for negotiations etc.