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Justifications for the Use of Force

Learn the justifications for using force recognized under international law as well as those that are prohibited.

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I.               Historical Justifications

Historically the use of force was considered the right of states. It could be employed to remedy wrongs committed by other nations. The only prerequisite expectation was that states issue a declaration of war, which provided offending nations the opportunity to remedy any alleged wrong. If a state failed to do so, the offended nation was entitled to use military force to resolve the...