Justifications For War

[Jimmy]

Jimmy O’Brien
War and Peace in History
9/14/08
Period 4
Justifications For War
War is a terrible endeavor that throughout history has devastated
nations. It is used to settle disputes between nations or groups of
people, and it always ends after much death and destruction. Many of
the wars that have been waged have been completely unnecessary, but
that does not mean that all war is not necessary. Unfortunately there
are times when a war needs to be fought. Sometimes there will be a
group of people who are committing great injustices and they refuse to
see reason. These are the people who need to be dealt with, even if
that means fighting them in a battle of wills that will ultimately
lead to the deaths of many.
There are several justifications for war, but it should only be waged
after reviewing all other options. One justification is if the
sovereignty or independence of a nation is threatened. The nation
whose sovereignty is threatened should do nearly everything in their
power to defend their way of life. They cannot just sit back, roll
over, and allow themselves to be taken over. Another just reason for
war is if great injustices are being done to a nation or group of
people and they ask for help. This is actually the reason why the U.N.
was created. The world wanted to insure that something like the
holocaust would never happen again. Although we have this organization
in place we have still failed to live up to this goal. This is a
worthy goal, and if there are ever those who are defenseless and need
our help in war then waging a war to protect them is righteous.
Another justification for war is if an ally of ours is attack without
provocation and they ask for our help in war. A nation should not be
afraid to help defend a friend or ally if they ask for help because
one day these roles may be reversed. A very important reason for war
in the United States is for our freedoms and rights. If it is the will
of the people to have rights that they do not have and they are not
given them then a war would be justified to gain the freedom they
want. Lastly, if one nation is under an imminent threat from another
and their only hope for survival would be a preemptive strike then
they need to do so for their own protection.
War is never a good option, but at times it may be the best and only
option. It should never be taken likely and should only be used after
all other options have been thoroughly considered or attempted. There
are very cases when waging war is justified but when it is there
should be no doubt as to its righteousness. Overall war is not an
appetizing thought but in the world we live in, it is sometimes
necessary and unfortunately it always will be.