ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the implications of claim for the Just War Tradition's (JWT) basic justificatory architecture. It provides reason to affirm a general presumption against war that must be overcome if a given war is to count as just and morally permissible. The chapter begins by articulating and arguing for the presumption against war. It distinguishes that presumption from several closely associated claims. The chapter explains why various objections to the presumption against war should not persuade. Political authorities have a moral obligation to ensure that justice is done and sometimes doing justice requires those political authorities to employ military violence to protect the innocent, to defend a decent and peaceable society from unjust attack. The moral purpose of that disciplining role is to enable citizens, soldiers, and statesmen to do justice when waging war. The chapter concludes with a few comments on the formative importance of incorporating that presumption.
