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The Law of War and Defining Force

Learn what constitutes the use of force in the international arena.

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I.               Two Categories of the Law of War

The law of war is divided into two categories. The first covers the initiation of war and armed conflict, which justifications are permitted, and the process for doing so. We refer to this category using the Latin phrase jus ad bellum, meaning right to war. The second category concerns the conduct of war and limits the tactics, weapons, and targets that can be employed...