to grok the Korean War

in the context of "just war" theory

Japan’s invasion of Korea was expansionist; to extend its empire in East Asia. The invasion violated Korea's sovereignty, subjugating the population to harsh colonial rule, making Japan the primary aggressor in the conflict.

Russia’s opportunistic involvement was driven by Japanese domination, which threatened its own regional interests, but they were also defending Korea from a foreign aggressor.

The U.S. violated key aspects of just war theory in its involvement. Initially, the U.S. framed its intervention as a defense against communism, yet this was not a just cause under just war theory. The U.S. was not directly protecting the Korean people or their sovereignty but was pursuing its own Cold War interests. This led to a disproportionate military response, violating the principle of proportionality, as the U.S. escalated the conflict far beyond the immediate threat posed by North Korea. Furthermore, after Japan was defeated and Korea was liberated from colonial rule, the U.S. continued to maintain a military presence in Korea, violating the principle of last resort. The U.S. did not withdraw after Japan's defeat, instead securing a foothold in the region, prioritizing its own strategic goals rather than allowing Korea to establish its own post-war order. Lastly, the U.S. lacked legitimate authority for its continued intervention. While it sought UN approval for some actions, the broader agenda of containing communism and maintaining influence in the region meant that U.S. actions were largely driven by its own interests, not the will or sovereignty of the Korean people. This turned the U.S. from a defender into a colonizing force, undermining its claim to a just cause.

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bonus: the basics of Just War theory

•A just war must have a just cause, like defending against aggression.

•Only legitimate authorities can declare war.

•The intention behind the war must be good, aiming for peace.

•There must be a reasonable chance of success.

•War should be a last resort after all peaceful options are exhausted.

•The harm caused by war must be proportional to the good expected.

•Combatants must distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.

•The force used must be proportional and not excessive.