Reimagining Conflict in Gaza and International Order: From the Perspective of Contingent Pacifism

This presentation explores the ethical dimensions of warfare and peace through the lens of contingent pacifism. Contingent pacifism challenges traditional just war theory by positing that the moral permissibility of war is heavily contingent on specific circumstances, often leading to a more restrictive stance on the use of force. This approach will be examined in the context of international order, with reference to key aspects of international law such as Article 2 and Article 51 of the UN Charter, Article 51 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, and Article 13 of Additional Protocol II. The recent conflicts in Gaza serve as a focal point to illustrate the practical implications of contingent pacifism. The presentation will address the ethical challenges faced by current international institutions, suggesting that an exclusive focus on negative pacifism may leave the global community grappling with a moral tragedy, necessitating a shift toward political realism. Whether elements of positive pacifism can contribute to comprehensive conflict resolution and peacebuilding remains uncertain and arguably pessimistic. This question requires further research and exploration, and the prospects for meaningful progress are, at best, uncertain.