Full Idea
If acting as an agent of a political collective justifies the combatants fighting an unjust war, that should also release the leaders from responsibility for their role in the fighting of that war. No one ever explains why this is not so.
Gist of Idea
If being part of a big collective relieves soldiers of moral responsibility, why not the leaders too?
Source
Jeff McMahan (Killing in War [2009], 2.5)
Book Reference
McMahan,Jeff: 'Killing in War' [OUP 2009], p.83
A Reaction
At the very least there seems to be a problem of the cut off point between innocent soldiers and culpable leaders. Which rank in the army or executive triggers the blame?
Related Idea
Idea 23607 Wars are between States, not people, and the individuals are enemies by accident [Rousseau]