Abstract:

Addressing the issues of war and ethics, just war theory applies standards derived from war to the initiation and conduct of war in order to limit the destructiveness of war, minimize harm to civilians, prevent unnecessary damage to property and the environment, and limit violence against combatants. The basic premise of just war theory is that sometimes states can be morally justified in going to war. Its purpose is to provide moral justification for a war through a set of criteria, all of which must be met for it to be considered just. It is traditionally divided into two categories: jus ad bellum (when it is just to start a war) and jus in bello (how it is just to fight war after it has started). However, for a just war theory that deals with the ethics of war and peace to be complete, it must include a third category of moral analysis called jus post bellum. Although the concept of jus post bellum, used to describe the rules and principles applicable to efforts to transition to a just and lasting peace period, is relatively new, its roots go back to ancient times. In this study, thoughts on the tradition of just war and the origin of jus post bellum, definition and characteristics of jus post bellum, the criticism of jus post bellum, the relationship of jus post bellum with other just war components, jus ad bellum and jus in bello, and the need for codification in international law to be discussed.