The Evolution of the Concept of the Just War in International Law

In: American journal of international law: AJIL, Volume 33, Issue 4, p. 665-688

Abstract

War, as a social phenomenon, has been defined as "a fight between human societies, in primitive conditions between savage tribes, in the civilized world between states." Ever since history has recorded the activities of organized groups, war has been one of its principal topics. Since it appears to be a fundamental element in their life, its explanation has been sought in the basic conditions of their existence. Thus, it is said, the law of growth and expansion, innate as a natural tendency in the individual being as well as in organized societies, compels them with irresistible force to assert their rights and to seek "security" by combating others. War, it seems, is ordained by nature and is an inevitable result of competition.