How does a military use religious organizations?5 answersMilitary forces can engage with religious organizations in various ways. The US military recognizes faith-based NGOs as legitimate partners in stability operations, highlighting their potential roles in bridging connections with host communities. Asymmetric warfare, including combating religious terrorism, necessitates inter-departmental support within the government and international cooperation, making it a national and international priority. The study of religion in public institutions, such as the military, emphasizes the importance of constitutional protections for religious minorities and the influence of organizational structures on policies surrounding religion. In Israel, religious intervention impacts civil-military relations through theological influences on military deployment, gender equality issues, and the role expansion of the Military Rabbinate, showcasing extra-institutional control of the military. Interaction with religious organizations is crucial in peace operations, requiring recognition and reconciliation of philosophical and organizational differences for successful execution.
Are there any ethical concerns with using animals in warfare?4 answersThe use of animals in warfare raises ethical concerns regarding their treatment and protection. International humanitarian law (IHL) currently provides minimal protection for animals during armed conflict, indirectly including them under the protection of civilian objects and the environment. However, this approach fails to recognize animals as sentient beings and does not adequately address their specific needs during wartime. To address these challenges, two strategies are proposed. The first strategy suggests applying existing IHL more effectively to animals, either by including them in the categories of combatants/prisoners of war or civilians, granting them similar guarantees as humans. The second strategy proposes the adoption of a new international instrument specifically aimed at granting rights to animals, particularly prohibiting their use as weapons of war. These strategies aim to ensure the ethical treatment and protection of animals in armed conflict.
Can the use of force as an instrument of foreign policy be targeted against individuals?5 answersThe use of force as an instrument of foreign policy can be targeted against individuals. The legality of such actions is a subject of debate, with different perspectives on the matter. Some argue that targeted killings or assassinations can be justified in certain circumstances, especially in the context of the war on terrorism. However, there is a transformation occurring in the moral and legal framework surrounding the use of military force. This transformation requires a shift towards individuated judgments of responsibility for specific "enemy" figures before the use of force is justified. This change has implications for institutions involved in the use of military force, including the military, the executive, and the courts. As these changes become embedded in state practices, they are likely to be reflected in the legal frameworks that regulate the use of force.
What are the characteristics of military intervention?5 answersMilitary intervention is the use of armed power or other means to subjugate the will of an adversary and achieve specific objectives. It can take different forms and strategies depending on the goals, forces involved, methods used, and the international and domestic context. Military interventions can be launched by coalitions or groups of states, often disguising imperialistic and hegemonistic motives of great powers. The success of military interventions varies depending on factors such as careful analysis, resourcing decisions, and the type of objective being pursued. The Brazilian military intervention in 1964 provides an example of a carefully designed process of political organization that preceded the coup. The political and moral limits of Western military intervention to protect civilians have been debated, and the media's role in shaping perceptions of interventions, such as the Rwandan genocide, has been examined. The gender dimensions of international intervention have also been explored in the context of peace support operations in Bosnia and Kosovo.
Why do countries use nuclear weapons?5 answersCountries use nuclear weapons for various reasons. One reason is the perceived strategic advantage of nuclear weapons in shielding a nation against both nuclear and conventional attacks. Nuclear weapons have also been used as a deterrent tool, especially during the Cold War, to prevent conflicts between nuclear-armed nations. Additionally, the possession of nuclear weapons can provide a sense of security and influence in international relations. However, the international legal community has not adequately dealt with the legal status of nuclear weapons, and there have been calls to ban the threat or use of nuclear weapons. Despite the risks associated with nuclear weapons, countries continue to maintain and modernize their arsenals due to the logic of arms races and the potential benefits of nuclear energy for electricity generation.
Why international laws are much more legitimate than historical claims?5 answersInternational laws are considered more legitimate than historical claims because they provide a common language for solving conflicts and have an objective character that is lacking in other moral answers based on historic, economic, religious, or political considerations. International law is deeply embedded historically in our legal system and reflects a deeply held understanding of law, where background legal principles are not tied to any particular jurisdiction. This understanding of law permeates specific legal systems, filling gaps and providing context for positive enactments. The frequent citation of foreign legal authority in the Supreme Court reflects the implementation of transnational legal principles and the recognition of the validity of foreign law in our legal system. The legitimacy of international institutions, including international law, is a subject of interest and debate among international lawyers and international relations scholars. While there are areas of convergence between the two fields, international relations scholars focus more on the legitimacy of international institutions, while some international lawyers develop a theory of legal legitimacy based on the internal qualities of the legal system.