Just War Theory and Global Justice

War is, at times and under certain conditions, necessary. In order to engage in just war, it is necessary for a state to meet the Just War Theory's criteria in the jus ad bellum. The responsibility of the legitimate state is to intervene in areas of crises when all criteria of the jus ad bellum are met. The state that refuses to intervene when it is needed is not legitimate, adversely affects the reputation of the state in the eyes of the international community, and potentially damages the legitimate status of the state. It is unjust for a state to choose not to intervene in a place where there is great harm and the jus ad bellum criteria of Just War Theory are met. This book explores the ethical nature of states and their refusal to intervene in cases where humanitarian intervention is needed, such as in the horrific case of genocide. It also examines the ethical nature surrounding the unjust acts of such states, and suggests that a virtue ethics perspective is necessary in order for states to be inclined to act. Virtue ethics creates the impetus for states to employ Just War Theory, and act legitimately—promoting a world of global justice.