THE ETHICS OF FORCE: REVISITING JUST WAR THEORY IN CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

War occupies a paradoxical position in international relations. While the international legal order is founded upon the preservation of peace, states continue to invoke force in response to security threats, humanitarian crises, and acts of aggression. This tension raises a fundamental question: can the use of force ever be morally and legally justified? Just War Theory provides one of the most enduring frameworks for addressing this dilemma. Originating in classical philosophy and later influencing international law, the theory seeks to regulate not only the decision to wage war but also its conduct and aftermath. In an era marked by cyber operations, autonomous weapons, and complex humanitarian emergencies, revisiting Just War Theory remains essential for understanding the relationship between ethics, legality, and international order.