War

Quote:

• “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.