Author Date

2020-04-22

Degree Name

Department

Political Science

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Defense Date

2020-04-22

Publication Date

2020-05-01

First Faculty Advisor

Kendall Stiles

First Faculty Reader

Ryan Davis

Honors Coordinator

Daniel Nielsen

Keywords

Just War Theory, Proportionality, Ethics, Force, Special Operations

Abstract

The thesis examines how a tiered system of proportional rules will provide a better understanding for how to use force outside of a declared conflict. The tiered system provides explicit standards and subprinciples to determine how and when a foreign state can use preventative force on specific targets. The thesis asserts that certain preventative action against immediate and existential threats can be justified, but any demonstration of force cannot continue beyond a threat incident. The thesis evaluates the current demonstrations of force in Mexico, West Africa and situations involving weapons of mass destruction. Through the tiered system, states can proportionally apply direct and indirect force to help prevent incidents while maintaining a higher level of restraint on applying deadly.