Countering Today's Nuclear Threat: Prevention, Just War Theory, and the Israeli Attack Against the Iraqi Osirak Reactor
Abstract
Although controversial, the strategy of Prevention is the best option to effectively deal with anti-American entities seeking to obtain and employ nuclear devices against U.S. interests. The increasing likelihood of anti-American entities using nuclear devices against U.S. interests means that the nuclear threat is increasing, not decreasing. The strategy of Prevention is the most efficient countermeasure against this threat. Prevention is the use of the diplomatic and military elements of national power to deter and disallow our enemies from obtaining the ability to use or threaten to use nuclear devices against U.S. interests. Historically, Prevention has not been implemented as a strategy due to its controversial nature. Specifically, many question whether Prevention is a legitimate and justifiable strategy since it entails striking the enemy before the enemy makes the first military move. However, the 1981 Israeli strike against the Iraqi Osirak reactor reveals that Prevention can be legitimate and justified if it fulfills the seven basic conditions set forth by Just War theorists. Therefore, if the United States conducts diplomatic and military offensives against entities seeking to obtain nuclear devices, and such actions satisfy all seven basic conditions, then the U.S. Government will be justified in fulfilling its duty to defend U.S. interests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA506927
Entities
People
- Ryan D. Long
Organizations
- Marine Corps University