Major Writing - Preemptive War?

Dr. Paul Hillmer

HON 110

December 8, 2010

Definitions

"Terrorism" - "The calculated use of violence (or the threat of violence) against civilians in order to attain goals that are political or religious or ideological in nature; this is done through intimidation or coercion or instilling fear" (WordNet).

"Wrong" - "Contrary to conscience or morality or law" (WordNet).

"Preemptive War" - "Preemptive war (or a preemptive strike) is waged in an attempt to repel or defeat a perceived inevitable offensive or invasion or to gain a strategic advantage in an impending (allegedly unavoidable) war before that threat materializes" (Preemptive War).

Is Preemptive War Always Wrong?

War is, unfortunately, something that is intermixed throughout the history of the human race. It does not happen only in one nation, but affects all of humanity. Humans only need to casually observe to see the strain on the economy and the death tolls that war causes. In today's world, many countries are fighting a war against terrorism. The controversy is whether or not preemptive war is wrong. The answer can be difficult to accept especially in a world of idealists and dreamers. Simply stated, sometimes one or many people have to strike first with the hope that this first strike is one of the only ones. In many cases, preemptive war can be the only way to preempt World War 3.

Sometimes the first shots are fired so that many casualties may be prevented in the end. In the most honorable sense, preemptive war is not a vessel of revenge, but is designed to prevent horrible loss. History shows that, when wars are fought, the results can be shockingly horrible. In World War 1, 1.7 million were killed in Russia, 908,000 died in Great Britain, and 1.7 million were killed in Germany. This only lists a few of the participants in Word War 1 (History Learning Site). It is easier to simplify the result of war to a sheer numbers form since the cost of any war can be overwhelming. Using this method, one can come to the best conclusion by carefully calculating the advantages and disadvantages of the conflicts.[i] The saying, "The best defense is a good offense" is also a way preemptive war may be deemed correct. Instead of waiting to be attacked, war preempts it and takes the advantage away from the opposition. By striking first and without warning, the opposition is thrown off balance which causes them to be slower to respond. This can make for a quick victory. The less fighting it takes to achieve victory, the better off both parties will be. Engaging in all out by both sides uses many resources, countries, and even the world. This is why a preemptive strike and a quick victory are so important. This is an intellectual way of assessing war. Using reason, one can analyze the variables hoping that the desired conclusion is found.[ii]

Preemptive war can also make sense from an emotional standpoint.[iii] Many of the people of the United States began living in fear when the World Trade Towers were hit. Government buildings and tourist attractions were closed and many feared flying because they thought they were potential targets. A state of fear, panic, and hysteria was induced for a time. These conditions caused violence within the US. Certain religions and ethnicities were also stereotyped with terrorists; this caused their lives to be difficult for a while. This terror couldn't continue, so action had to be taken. If action hadn't been taken, the country may well have been facing another time like the searches for communists during the cold war or the Salem Witch Trials. A country cannot function and stay orderly for long with conditions like this. Fear mounts when rumors are spread of weapon stockpiles or the growth of nuclear potential in other nations. When people can see that something is being done, like preemptive war, fears ease and the nation as a whole can breathe easier. The preemptive war also puts fear into the hearts of the enemy because of they see that the US won't sit back and take it. The hope is that preemptive war will cause the enemy to change their minds about pursuing a large-scale war that could continue for years, leaving devastation in its wake. Hopefully with the negative emotions building in that country, they will not continue. This type of surrender, caused by a preemptive strike, has its initial cost, but in the end it avoids economic strain, extra loss of life, land destruction, etc. that are results of a prolonged war.

Looking at preemptive war in the aesthetic sense shows that preemptive war avoids damage done to the spirit or soul of humans. The style of literature written during times of war is often dark and depressing. Death may be a common theme, as loss of hope and the evils found in human nature may be. This is a poem written during World War 1 which displays the theme of predicting death:

The first said, 'Here's a right brave solider
That walks the dark unfearingly;
Soon he'll come back on a fine stretcher,
And laughing for a nice Blighty.'...
Though bitter the word of these first twain,
Curses the third spat venomously:
'He'll stay untouched till the war's last dawning,
Then live one hour of agony' (Gurney).

In the end of this poem, the soldier spends the rest of his time wondering about and dreading the year, waiting to see if it will happen. War has a way of crushing morale and destroying the spirit. These effects should be avoided if possible; this may mean that a preemptive war is needed. Many people find beauty in nature as well, but there is no beauty in a war torn land. When blood stains the earth, that area no longer carries a sense of peace; when the earth is torn by craters, burned, and scarred, it is no longer inspiring. Even though it may not appear so, preemptive war works to protect this inspiration. When a full blown war is in progress, nature suffers along with those who get their inspiration from nature. The land and surroundings are easier to protect if only one side attacks.[iv]

For the Christian, preemptive war can be right. Paul writes in Romans that God himself has established the governments and gives them authority. Thus, Christians are to obey the government unless it goes against God. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God... for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer" (Romans 13:1, 4). When the government makes the decision to carry out preemptive war, the people should comply and aid the government, not criticize it as many do. The government has the task of protecting the people so it must do everything it its power to do just that, even preemptive war. God, Himself has told Christians to strike first. This is extremely important for Christians to note because one should do what God says. God, in his perfection, is never wrong and knows the consequences of every decision since he knows the grand plan. God gave the people a pre-occupied land in Joshua. "No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them" (Joshua 1:5-6). For Christians, how can anything God says be wrong? However, when it comes to many situations, one must test everything to see if it is actually from God rather than from humans or the Devil.[v]

Preemptive war is not always wrong and the fact that this is an age of terrorism doesn't really factor in. Sometimes, preemptive war is necessary to prevent additional war. After looking at numbers from previous wars, striking first is worth it if it would prevent many deaths and destruction of nature. Preemptive war is also a way of protecting this country even though war isn't an easy choice. To say something is always or never wrong are judgments that can't be made until the end. There is no way to know the result of a preemptive war, thus it will be right in some cases and wrong in others.