The US is not justified in initiating war with Iran without consulting allies

This month, Kali is making the argument that: "The US is not justified in initiating war, military conflict, or use of force with Iran without consulting allies." Her expanded argument is that: "No major power is justified in initiating a war (or use of force) without consulting its allies. We no longer live in a world where national interests can always take precedence over global interests. Global stability depends on alliances that can support and protect the safety and well-being of people throughout the world."

Kali is thinking about how diplomacy could have prevented this war, and about how US allies could move forward.

To make her argument, Kali is looking at modern presidents who have not initiated war, military conflict, or use of force during their presidencies in 3 categories. Presidencies that have not initiated:

1. at all
2. except when it was defensive actions
3. without consulting their allies first and getting their support

"Defensive" actions include two types that have legal frameworks:

1. Retaliatory (i.e., for attacks on U.S. bases, personnel, etc.).
2. Preventive counterterrorism (i.e., to prevent future attacks on U.S. forces, allies, or strategic interests)

We are currently meeting up every third Saturday at the UUC on 22nd.

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We are still looking for someone to offer a counter argument. Depending on how the discussion goes, if there is time, we may also follow up on the discussion about the purpose of government from our last event.