An attempt at a theological examination of war must deal in turn with the phenomenon of war, the problem of the right to make war (jus ad helium) and the conduct of hostilities (jus in hello)

1. The phenomenon of war. Basically, apart from its specific manifestations, war may be defined as armed and sanguinary conflict between organized groups. The arms may make themselves felt by mere intimidation, before they are actually used. Such intimidation indeed plays a dominant role in the confrontation of great powers in our day, because th…