Single Idea 23601

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / a. Just wars]

Full Idea

A political leader cannot have greater authority over foreigners than over his own subjects; but he may not draw the sword against his own subjects unless they have done wrong; therefore he can only do so against foreigners in the same circumstances.

Gist of Idea

Leaders can only attack foreigners who have done wrong (as with their own subjects)

Source

Francis de Vitoria (On the Law of War [1525], p.303), quoted by Jeff McMahan - Killing in War 1.4

Book Reference

McMahan,Jeff: 'Killing in War' [OUP 2009], p.33


A Reaction

The question would then be whether they have 'done some wrong' against this leader, or against some other people (such as their fellow citizens). That would be the 'intervention' justification. Are they engaged in the wrong, or responsible for it?