Behind the primary jus ad bellum requirements of proper authority, just cause, and right intent are a number of prudential considerations. These considerations counsel wisdom when it comes to making the decision to pull the trigger and go to war. These considerations—proportionality of ends, probability of success, last resort, and declaration of war—act as final restraints, sometimes compelling a nation to stand down even when there are strong moral grounds for fighting.
In this episode, Marc LiVecche and Daniel Strand consider the wisdom of proportionality of ends and probability of success. Each is linked to the other.