Advisory Opinions Unprovoked War
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Jun 17, 2025 Dive into the tense dynamics of the Israel-Iran conflict, as experts dissect the legal nuances of preemptive versus preventative warfare. Explore how international laws intersect with state actions in crisis situations. The conversation touches on historical parallels and ethical dilemmas surrounding civilian casualties. Trump’s deployment of the National Guard sparks debates on executive power and judicial scrutiny. Enjoy a lighter moment with a humorous courtroom anecdote about gum etiquette, bringing a unique blend of seriousness and levity.
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Israel-Iran War Is Ongoing Nation Conflict
- Israel and Iran are in a state of ongoing war, despite lack of formal declaration.
- This conflict resembles classic nation-state warfare, not asymmetric or guerrilla war.
Preemptive vs Preventative War Explained
- Preemptive attacks stop imminent threats and are lawful under the laws of war.
- Preventative wars address non-imminent threats and are generally unlawful under international law.
Balancing Imminence and Existential Threats
- Waiting for Iran to develop nuclear weapons before acting would ignore the catastrophic threat.
- Laws of war must balance self-defense with preventing existential threats even if not imminent.
