Cyberspace is increasingly establishing itself as a domain where malicious actors can achieve quick, asymmetric strategic gains. In response to this trend, many Western states are increasingly...Show moreCyberspace is increasingly establishing itself as a domain where malicious actors can achieve quick, asymmetric strategic gains. In response to this trend, many Western states are increasingly turning to offensive cyber operations to ward off or respond to these events. However, a key question dominating this turn by the West is how ethical, or just, conflict by the West in cyberspace really is. Using a Just War Theory lens, this thesis explores the extent to which modern, Western cyber operation abide by the Jus Ad Bellum principles of Just War Theory. Ultimately, this thesis finds that many Western cyber operations do not abide by an idealized ‘gold standard’ of JWT for cyber: however, there is room for improvement in the future.Show less
This Thesis has analyzed whether and to what extend the US occupation of Iraq can be considered as just. A just occupation would satisfy all principles set forth by jus post bellum. The research...Show moreThis Thesis has analyzed whether and to what extend the US occupation of Iraq can be considered as just. A just occupation would satisfy all principles set forth by jus post bellum. The research question was answered using a qualitative analysis based on a collection of secondary sources, which were analysed using the jus post bellum framework proposed by Orend (2006). The thesis came to the conclusion that the US occupation of Iraq was highly unjust as America failed to satisfy and in some cases clearly violated key principles set forth by jus post bellum. Most importantly the principle of rehabilitation was violated both on the political as well as military level. However, also the jus post bellum principles of Rights Vindication; Discrimination; Punishment #1 and #2; and Compensation were not satisfied if not violated. The failure to follow a just post bellum in Iraq, may explain the prolonged conflict that ensued in Iraq following the US led invasion.Show less
As the menace of international terror grows, just war theory has been a key topic of speculation in politics, international relations as well as philosophy. While the theory has been framed by the...Show moreAs the menace of international terror grows, just war theory has been a key topic of speculation in politics, international relations as well as philosophy. While the theory has been framed by the debate between “traditionalists” and “revisionists”, recent discussions seem to have a concern over the integration of jus post bellum. As a result, there has been a neglect towards this necessary third branch of the just war theory. The objective and the desired outcome of just wars is peace. But the lack of established laws for war termination has led to much vagueness and disagreements upon the content of jus post bellum. Consequently, it leads to messy and unrestrained war endings and mere ad-hoc solutions. By bringing together contemporary political philosophers addressing the normative issues concerning war, the work here aims to defend an extensive and maximalist account of jus post bellum thereby contributing to its development.Show less
In this analysis into political and moral philosophy, the author argues that non-state actors could, under the right conditions, be considered morally and politically legitimate in carrying out a...Show moreIn this analysis into political and moral philosophy, the author argues that non-state actors could, under the right conditions, be considered morally and politically legitimate in carrying out a humanitarian intervention. This is done by assuming a minimal theory of universal human rights and then looking further into the contemporary literature surrounding humanitarian intervention as well as its history and application. In doing so, there does not seem to be moral, conceptual, or legal boundaries that would disallow such an intervention if carried out under the specified conditions. The implications of such a non-state humanitarian actor could change the way in which humanitarian interventions are carried out and remove or reduce the primacy of the state oriented nature of such interventions. Alec J. Bowie (2016) “The Legitimacy of Non-State Actors in Humanitarian Intervention”, Leiden Student RepositoryShow less
In this paper I argue that the Just War Theory in its current state is anachronistic and requires modernising. I set out how the domain of war has changed over time, specifically with new threats...Show moreIn this paper I argue that the Just War Theory in its current state is anachronistic and requires modernising. I set out how the domain of war has changed over time, specifically with new threats from weapons of mass destruction and non-state actors. These changes require a modernisation of the theory, and a product of this modernisation is developing a preventive war doctrine generally seen to be impermissible, as permissible. I make the case based on the changing nature of threats, and, extend the notion of self-defence to include preventive action. I highlight the epistemic problem in today’s war environment regarding the ‘last resort’ condition of the Just War Theory, and argue that if pre-emptive attacks are permissible, then based on the same epistemic logic, preventive wars are also permissible.Show less
