Is war ever just(ifiable)?

"I have resolved all moral questions in my mind. This is black and white, good versus evil"

- George W. Bush senior

Stood on the brink of invading Iraq, Bush's mind was made up. Perhaps 35 years on we'd beg to differ, not only with his own Middle Eastern misadventures, but those of his son. But how could he be so certain? Is war ever truly just(ifiable) and if so when?

Fought over everything from defence of family and homeland to plain old plunder and territorial gains, global conflict has killed millions. Can any cause justify that level of suffering? With lofty enough ideals, do the ends justify any means or should principles of proportionality and protection of civilians remain sacrosanct? In a world where no-one is clairvoyant can "necessity" ever be a valid defence for war atrocities, and if so how many children's deaths legitimise the elimination of a single Hamas fighter?

With centuries of scholarship on jus ad bellum, why is it so hard to distinguish valiance and barbarism? While the IDF brands itself as the "most moral army in the world", more and more countries are clamouring for it to be hauled before the International Criminal Court. And what will happen as AI steps onto the battlefield? Will it simply copy its mortal masters in apportioning value to human life, or develop its own calculus of death? With drones making an unfair fight even more asymmetric, does it make sense to ask moral questions at all, as the strong can impose their will regardless?

Join us for a discussion on which hills are really worth dying on, what the rules of war should be and if it's ever justifiable to break them

We invite participants to share their views in short, up to 5-minute statements, followed by an open discussion where we’ll discuss these questions in more detail. Whether you have a philosophical background or are simply curious about the topic, this is an opportunity to share your opinions.