ABSTRACT
Athens sent envoys to persuade the Melian Islands to peacefully acquiesce to the Athenian’s desired takeover. The Melians refused and claimed that an unjust takeover would cause other enemies of Athens to distrust their intentions and ultimately conquer the Athenians. The injustice from the Melian incident caused others to ally against Athens and eventually defeat them. Proportionality compares the cost of casualties and property damages to the alternative of not acting. Proportionality requires leaders to examine not only the means employed during battle, but the leader’s motives as well. Achieving utility and avoiding mission creep require the ruler exercising prudent caution and judgment when pursuing use of force in a conflict.
