more on this theme | more from this text
Full Idea
There is a single and only just cause for commencing a war, namely, a wrong received.
Gist of Idea
The only just cause for a war is a wrong received
Source
Francis de Vitoria (On the Law of War [1525], p.170), quoted by Michael Walzer - Just and Unjust Wars 04
Book Ref
Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.62
A Reaction
Walzer affirms this as one the principles of international law. In particular, mere differences of religion or politics cannot justify a war. The tricky bit is when the participants don't agree on the severity of the wrong.
Related Idea
Idea 23570 The only good reason for fighting is in defence of rights [Walzer]
| 23569 | The only just cause for a war is a wrong received [Vitoria] |
| 23566 | Princes should not justify a war to their subjects, and doing so would undermine the state [Vitoria] |
| 23576 | Sacking a city is lawful if it motivates the attacking troops [Vitoria] |
| 23601 | Leaders can only attack foreigners who have done wrong (as with their own subjects) [Vitoria] |