more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
States can use force in the face of threats of war, if there is a serious risk to territory or independence. They are then forced to fight, and are the victims of aggression.
Gist of Idea
States can rightly pre-empt real and serious threats
Source
Michael Walzer (Just and Unjust Wars [1977], 05)
Book Ref
Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.85
A Reaction
[compressed] He uses this to justify Israeli pre-emptive strikes against Palestinians. I don't think his confident assertion of this principle is justified. It is open to massive abuse. There are, though, clearly situations where he is right.