ABSTRACT
The twentieth century, the first century to produce over 100 million combat related deaths, has seen a renewed interest by many people in the "Theory of the Just War." The making of war, according to St. Thomas, "is not the business of a private individual" but the prerogative solely of those in sovereign authority. There must be valid reasons for resort to war. Valid reasons such as the violation of territory and harm to one's population are necessary but not sufficient to justify the taking-up of arms. Contemporary man continues to indulge the state. States can and do engage in the most heinous atrocities against their own and other peoples. International organizations can encourage the use of the plebiscite in several ways. They can use their good offices to encourage and facilitate the bargaining process which may lead to peaceful resolution—the plebiscite being one mode of peaceful resolution. International organizations can provide useful expertise and experienced personnel.
