Jus Ante Bellum Enemy Love and Just War Theory

Abstract

Love for the enemy is a stated aim of just war. Yet, we rarely consider the conditions that best encourage enemy-love. I argue a state’s relationship with the enemy prior to war will shape its love for the enemy during war. Specifically, if the just-war state and the targeted enemy had a loving relationship prior to war, then the just-war state is more likely to abide by the just war principles in the negotiations prior to war and in their actions during war. However, if they previously had a hostile relationship, then the just-war state is more likely to ignore just war principles prior to and during war. I demonstrate this argument by analyzing the Libyan regime change war in 2011. Christians must take seriously Christ’s command to love our enemies, so that we might love well in peace and hopefully avoid the devastations of war.