Difference between revisions of "Preemptive war"
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| − | The question about '''preemptive war''' is whether it is an act of defense or an act of aggression. By its very nature, it is a unilateral "first strike", unsupported by the rule of international law absent an imminent threat, and accomplished by the ability to use overwhelming force. | + | The question about '''preemptive war''' is whether it is an act of defense or an act of aggression. By its very nature, it is a unilateral "first strike", unsupported by the rule of international law absent an imminent threat (a [[clear and present danger]]), and accomplished by the ability to use overwhelming force. |
==''Wikipedia'' Definition== | ==''Wikipedia'' Definition== | ||
Revision as of 17:59, 9 April 2005
The question about preemptive war is whether it is an act of defense or an act of aggression. By its very nature, it is a unilateral "first strike", unsupported by the rule of international law absent an imminent threat (a clear and present danger), and accomplished by the ability to use overwhelming force.
Contents
Wikipedia Definition
"A preemptive attack (or preemptive war) is waged in an attempt to repel or defeat an imminent offensive or invasion, or to gain a strategic advantage in an impending (usually unavoidable) war.
"Preemptive war is often confused with the term preventive war. While the latter is generally considered to violate international law, and to fall short of the requirements of a just war, preemptive wars are more often argued to be justified or justifiable.
"The intention with a preemptive strike is to gain the advantage of initiative and to harm the enemy at a moment of minimal protection," particularly when the enemy is vulnerable. [1]
International Court of Justice
"The International Court of Justice (ICJ) spelled out exactly what no nation can legally do in light of its commitments to uphold the U.N. Charter: 'Thus it would be illegal for a state to threaten force to secure territory from another State, or to cause it to follow or not follow certain political or economic paths'," according to Ann Fagan Ginger, Executive Director of the Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute. [2]
Anticipatory Self-Defense
"The prevailing view probably is that, one way or another, anticipatory self-defense is permissible but traditionally has required the existence of an imminent threat," writes Steven C. Walsh, research analyst at the Center for Defense Information. [3]
Quotes
Preemptive war "punishes the defenseless not for what they have done or are doing but for what they might have done or could do."
—Eduardo Galeano, PaxHumana, September 2003.
SourceWatch Resources
- 2003 preemptive war against Iraq
- Bush doctrine
- Eisenhower doctrine
- Geneva Conventions
- Truman doctrine
External Links
- Paul W. Schroeder, "Iraq: The Case Against Preemptive War. The administration’s claim of a right to overthrow regimes it considers hostile is extraordinary – and one the world will soon find intolerable," American Conservative Magazine, undated.
- Dietrich Murswiek, "The American Strategy of Preemptive War and International Law," Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat Freiberg Institute of Public Law, March 2003.
- Ann Fagan Ginger, "Preemptive War / Preventive War. Both Are Against The Law Of The United States," Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute, undated [2004].
- Steven Murdoch, "Preemptive War: Is It Legal?," DCBar.org, January 2003.
- "Pre-Crime? What the Film Minority Report Can Teach Us About the Three Key Rules of Preemptive War," FindLaw's Writ, April 15, 2003.
- Duncan E.J. Currie, "'Preventive War' and International Law After Iraq," May 22, 2003.
- Steven C. Welsh, "Preemptive War and International Law," Center for Defense Information, December 5, 2003.
