Proportionality for Military Leaders

<p>Despite its preeminent position in just war tradition the concept of proportionality is not well understood by military leaders. Especially lacking is a realization that there are four distinct types of proportionality. In determining whether a particular resort to war is just national leaders must consider the proportionality of the conflict i.e. balance the expected gain or just redress against the total harm likely to be inflicted by the pending armed action. This proportionality consideration is called jus ad bellum proportionality. The second type of proportionality discussed is a continuing re-evaluation of the proportionality taking into account the changing situation. The last true proportionality discussed is a consideration of hostile action taking during a conflict or jus in bello proportionality. This consideration weighs the expected military gain of a particular action against the collateral damage and injuries that are expected from the act. Finally the fourth category addressed is political proportionality which is not truly a proportionality consideration but is rather self-interested deliberation on the possible political and military outcomes of actions. In some instances it could be referred to as a measured response. Better understanding of proportionality in all its forms will help military leaders to give appropriate and moral advice on the potential resort to war as well as on the conduct of military actions in war.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p><br>