Question

Think about what justifies a nation going to war. If you were a political leader, what conditions would, in your judgment, justify a declaration of war? Write an essay that is at least 200 words long.

Answer 1

If I were a political leader, I know there would be times when I would need to consider sending my country to war. I would try to mediate peace through diplomatic channels, but that wouldn’t always work. I think the main circumstance that would make me choose to send my country to war would be a significant, direct attack on my country.

The September 11, 2001, attacks on New York and the Pentagon were significant. An attack like that would probably force me to go to war if I were the US leader. The September 11 attacks, however, were not committed by a particular nation, but by radical terrorists, so that would make things tricky.

Another example would be the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. In this case the attackers were clearly identified and war was quickly and justly declared.

There could also be times when the actions of a country’s leader are so terrible and inhumane to another country—or perhaps even to his own people—that war, supported by certain higher moral beliefs, could be justified. While I know that the sending troops to fight for whatever the reason would be hard, I also know there are times when it could be required.

Step-by-step explanation:

PLATO ANSWER!

Answer 2

The primary function of a leader or government is the protection of lives and properties. I will go to war if my country is attacked which could be the structures or the inhabitants.

I will also go to war if my country is compromised economically or physically. As a good leader it is important to fight for what will benefit the country economically and try as much as possible to ensure the country isn’t at a disadvantaged state. An example is Taylor who did the same during the Spanish American war. He blamed Mexico of stealing Texas back, even though the land was Mexico's back and made attempts to regain the territory as it was going to benefit the country.