ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces one of the seminal figures in the historical development of the just war tradition: Paul Ramsey. Ramsey's earliest writings on political authority focus less on technical aspects of just war and more on the broader theological commitments that ground his understanding of human agency and moral obligation. Under the heading of moral limitations on justified war Ramsey develops his commitment to two crucial principles: discrimination and proportionality. Ramsey was particularly fond of describing the unique challenges of political leadership with a line from former US Secretary of State Dean Acheson. Ramsey's legacy also includes his role as a Christian writing and speaking about the role of theological belief and the Christian community in broader efforts to secure the common good. The enduring relevance of Ramsey's work to the tradition of just war thinking will partly depend on the role faith communities play in the future of local politics, state governance, and international relations.
