Growing Edges of Just War Theory: <i>Jus ante bellum, jus post bellum,</i> and Imperfect Justice

Abstract

This essay addresses two growing edges of the just war tradition. First, theorists have been accused of focusing narrowly on justifying war ( jus ad bellum ) and governing its conduct ( jus in bello ), neglecting wider considerations that encompass justice during the years prior to and after war. Second, calling a war “just” allegedly makes it seem “good” so that it is easier to fight a war and to bend or set aside the rules. Based on “imperfect justice,” we argue for a “justified” war theory, taking all criteria and categories seriously, including jus ante bellum and jus post bellum .