Single Idea 23619

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / a. Just wars]

Full Idea

It is possible for a defensive war to be unjust, when the defensive war to which it is a response is a just war.

Gist of Idea

A defensive war is unjust, if it is responding to a just war

Source

Jeff McMahan (Killing in War [2009], 3.3.3)

Book Reference

McMahan,Jeff: 'Killing in War' [OUP 2009], p.147


A Reaction

An example might be a state resisting an intervention from outside, when the state is in the process of exterminating some unwanted minority. Or perhaps the invaders are crossing the state's territory to achieve some admirable end.