Preemptive War
/ˌpriːˈɛmptɪv wɔːr/
Definitions
- (n.) A war initiated on the belief that an imminent attack by another party is unavoidable and starting it first is necessary for self-defense.
The doctrine of preemptive war is controversial in international law due to its subjective nature.
Forms
- preemptive war
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The concept is distinct from preventive war; preemptive war is predicated on immediacy and necessity, which is a critical point in legal assessments of justification.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.