ABSTRACT
A Nation must have received an injury, or be clearly threatened with one before it is authorized to take up arms as having a just ground for war. For if that prince wages an unjust war every Nation has the right to assist the oppressed State; and if he wages a just war, neutral Nations may interpose to bring about a settlement; they may persuade the weak State to offer just satisfaction upon reasonable terms, and may thus prevent it from being subjugated. When one who wages a just war is offered equitable terms, he has all that he can demand. The right on the part of Nations is still more evident as against a sovereign who is always ready to take to arms without cause and without plausible pretext, and who is thus a constant disturber of the public peace.
