Assignment 9- Claire Jicha

1.) Is there a time for war?

As a (wannabe) pacifist, i’d like to be able to no, but the realist in me knows that unless there was a world of nothing but pacifists that is an incredibly unrealistic goal. I think the time for war isn’t taken as seriously as it should be. It should be only last resort and only if it means stopping others from dying. WW2= a time for war, cold war= not a time for war.

2.) If there is a time, is it morally right and just or is is it the lesser of two evils?

lesser of two evils. War should only be considered if it means ultimately saving lives, so the cause has to justify any soldiers and civilians that would die, and even then its iffy.

3.) Are there certain times when countries have a responsibility to go to war?

when they have the means to stop needless death, wars over resources or conflicting ideals are not justified. Responsibility only plays a part if they are turning away from slaughter when they could help, ie the Rwandan genocide.

4.) Are there any alternatives? Could they be more effective or less effective?

Non violent protest is sometimes an option, but not when it results in more death. negotiations, possibly. Unfortunately their often isn’t any other solution, and if there was, i most certainly would not be the one to come up with it. My only alternative to war is rap battling it out.