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Towards a Jus in Bello of Guerrilla Warfare
Abstract
Can guerrilla wars be fought morally? This essay explores this question by using
a single case study, that of the Lebanese Hizballah. The intention of this study is
to contribute to our understanding of the jus in bello of guerrilla warfare. Because
this case study involves an Islamic resistance movement, a second intention is to
contribute to a greater understanding of a movement of people condemned as
terrorists in U.S. law and popular perception.
I find evidence to indicate a jus in bello principle unique to guerrilla warfare.
This principle, which I call the principle of respect, requires that guerrillas show
respect for the lives and property of noncombatants. I find the morality of ordinary
people to be the source of the jus in bello of guerrilla warfare.
a single case study, that of the Lebanese Hizballah. The intention of this study is
to contribute to our understanding of the jus in bello of guerrilla warfare. Because
this case study involves an Islamic resistance movement, a second intention is to
contribute to a greater understanding of a movement of people condemned as
terrorists in U.S. law and popular perception.
I find evidence to indicate a jus in bello principle unique to guerrilla warfare.
This principle, which I call the principle of respect, requires that guerrillas show
respect for the lives and property of noncombatants. I find the morality of ordinary
people to be the source of the jus in bello of guerrilla warfare.