Hezbollah Just War Theory | Acemyhomework Writers
Is terrorism simply “the poor man’s” use of force? If nations can justify war, can non-state actors? Using Just War Theory, give a justification for and against the use of terrorism through the lens of Hezbollah
Terrorism is defined as the illegal use of intimidation and violence against innocent people to attain political motives (Christopher, 2004). Terrorism is usually committed by well-organized and armed groups, which usually have good financial backing. Importantly, funds are a necessary requirement in terrorist activities because terrorists use sophisticated and expensive tools of war and besides, they need to be supported by advanced technologies that give them a comparative advantage over the residents. In the light of this, terrorism is not a cheap endeavor, and the proposition that terrorism is simply “the poor man’s use of force” is an unjustifiable statement. Besides being supported by good financial background, terrorist are committed to their cause and willing to go any length to reach their objectives, which may not necessary relates to some tangible objectives (White, 2012). In some instances, after accomplishing their mission of causing violence, intimidation, destruction of property and human suffering, terrorists terminate their lives, confirming that they did not expect any material benefits for the violent activities. If terrorism were the poor man’s use of force, then terrorists would be expected to be guided by a financial motive and to get out of the experience wealthier, but this is never the case.
According to the Just War theory, war should be declared by a legal authority (Asad, 2010). Non state actors lack such legal authority, and thus they cannot declare war. Other than legitimate authority, war should also be guided by just cause, right intent and the likelihood of success authority (Asad, 2010). Therefore, use of terrorism can be justified if it relates to high likelihood for success that would bring forth positive benefits to the civilians. On the contrary, terrorism would be bad if a legitimate authority does not authorize it, if it is not guided by the correct motive and in case it relates to minimal chances of success and improvement of civilians’ lives.
Hezbollah attacked Israel in revenge for Israel’s attack on Lebanese towns (Cordesman, 2006). His motive to seek vengeance for Lebanese Towns was not justifiable, and besides, it lacked a legitimate authority. The war did not, therefore, meet the criteria for the Just War Theory, and it was thus not justifiable.
References
Asad, T. (2010). Thinking about terrorism and just war. Cambridge Review of International Affairs, 23(1), 3-24.
Christopher, P. (2004). The ethics of war and peace: An introduction to legal and moral issues (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
Cordesman, A. H. (2006). Preliminary” lessons” of the Israeli-Hezbollah war (p. 5). Washington, DC: Center for Strategic and International Studies.
White, J. E. (2012). Contemporary moral problems: War, torture, terrorism and assignation (4th ed.). United States: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning
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