ABSTRACT
In the Christian tradition—and the secular thought it has shaped—the proper goal of just war is peace. This follows from the characteristic prominence of the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation in Christian ethics. Accordingly, to be morally justified, war must include among its aims reconciliation with the enemy, repudiating any interest in their suffering or annihilation as such. Since a just war’s immediate goal is to rectify injustice, it is punitive; but since that rectification includes ultimate reconciliation, it is not vindictive. Insofar as it intends reconciliation with the enemy and regards them with compassion, just war is forgiving and so qualified by love. Nevertheless, the interpersonal paradigms of love, forgiveness, and reconciliation should be distinguished from their weaker political or inter-state analogues. The peace intended by just war is better specified as political “accommodation” or “co-existence” than “reconciliation.” The intention of political coexistence usually shapes military action indirectly by constraining its belligerent means. Sometimes, however, armed forces can be directly engaged in diplomatic efforts to persuade a hostile enemy into peaceful politics.
