It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.
This resource guide was designed to provide you with assistance in researching the just war philosophy. To navigate this guide, click on the tabs above, or the Table of Contents below. If you need help, please contact us.
Just war theory is a doctrine that identifies ethical criteria for one nation to declare war on another. With roots in the Catholic tradition, just war theory has shifted over the centuries from a primarily religious issue, to one of both theological and secular political concern. More recently, the relevance of the theory has been questioned in light of drastic changes in the nature of warfare itself.