Just vs Unjust War

"War is a continuation of politics by other means...Von Clausewitz."
--Captain Frank Ramsey (Crimson Tide)

A just war is fought purely in self defense. No provocation. No preemption.

Few wars fought by the United States satisfy this criterion. Instead they have mostly been fought to satisfy political objectives such as advancing democracy, generating economic stimulus, preserving the union, maintaining flow of critical economic resources, stopping communism.

The US has often engaged in war after provoking opponents. It has also engaged in preemptive strikes. Preemption defines aggressors, not defenders.

Today, pray for the millions of casualties of unjust war.