Turning Just War Theory into Justified Surrender Theory

It is trendy to cite Church teaching when commenting on political affairs and foreign policy. The added authority of the Catholic Church gives force, certainty and credibility to political opinions.

Thus, these citations find their way into the Ukrainian war debate. As Russia’s war of unjust aggression against Ukraine rages on, officials and influencers are looking for ways to justify a “realistic” settlement under less-than-ideal terms.

Turning to Just War Theory

Some erroneously cite just war theory based on Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. The theory defines the conditions whereby Christian nations can engage in just wars.

Five conditions are usually cited: just cause, declaration by lawful authority, good intention, exhaustion of all peaceful options, and reasonable chance of success.

In the case of Ukraine, just war theory is definitely on the side of the invaded nation. It especially justifies the use of force in self-defense against an aggressor. A country suffering invasion has a just cause to resist and fight back.

Ukraine’s Right to Wage Just War

Continued below.