Military conflicts between different countries have become an integral part of human history. Even in our time, in some parts of the world there are armed confrontations that bring devastation and many human casu alties. To get ahead of the aggressor who is about to start a war, the defending side can launch a preemptive strike. This concept arose 200 years ago, and today it has become especially relevant. Let's try to understand its meaning and find out how these actions are qualified in international law.
Meaning of term
Preemptive strike is an armed impact of one side of the conflict on the other in order to get ahead of the enemy and prevent the first one from attacking. The purpose of these operations is to destroy the strategically important objects of the enemy, which can give him an advantage in a possible upcoming war. Suppose a situation where state A is actively building up its military power in order to attack country B. The aggressor strengthens the army, pursues a propaganda policy in order to hostilely set up the population. In such a situation, country B can get ahead of the enemy andstrike first.
Unfortunately, many people abuse this rule, so such actions are condemned by many politicians. This is because, from a legal point of view, these actions may resemble an act of aggression. This happens when a certain country builds up military forces to protect the integrity of its territory. But another state may qualify such actions as preparation for war and launch a preemptive strike. This will be considered aggression.
Examples of preemptive attacks in history
As mentioned earlier, such military operations were carried out two centuries ago. The first of these dates back to 1801, when the English fleet approached Copenhagen and opened fire on the Danish ships, as well as on the city. Although the two countries were not at war, there were suspicions that the Danes were secretly helping the French. Refusing to voluntarily submit their ships for inspection, they were severely punished by the British.
The next famous incident occurred in 1837, where the British were also involved. It was connected with the attack on the American ship Caroline. British intelligence reported the presence of weapons that were supposed to reach the Canadian separatists who were fighting for independence from Great Britain. To avoid this, the British captured the ship and then burned it.
In 1904, Japanese ships attacked the Russian fleet based on Chinese territory in Port Arthur. During the attack, torpedoes were used,few of which made it to the target, but the Japanese managed to sink a few ships. These events led to the start of the Russo-Japanese War.
The Japanese carried out a similar attack in 1941, when they attacked the US naval base at Pearl Harbor.
German preemptive strike against the USSR
From the very beginning of the Great Patriotic War in 1941, no one doubted that it was an act of aggression by Nazi Germany against the USSR. The purpose of these actions was the destruction of the Soviet ideology, which was to be replaced by National Socialism. Success in this campaign would allow the annexation of new territories and access to huge reserves of resources that would be useful for further advances into Asia.
But in the mid-80s, a new theory appears regarding the reasons for such actions of Hitler. It was based on the idea that German troops invaded the territory of the USSR only in order to protect their eastern borders. Documents were provided, according to which the Soviet military command was concentrating additional forces to the western borders, allegedly for a subsequent attack. But the theory of a preemptive strike was quickly refuted by historians. This is because the Germans have been preparing this attack for a long time, and this is confirmed by the so-called “Barbarossa” plan, where everything was described in detail. In addition, they violated the non-aggression pact that both sides signed back in August 1939
Threats of preemptive strikes today
Despite the fact that now the situation in the world is relatively stable, there are still a number of threats that can shake this fragile world. In the 21st century the problem of international terrorism has become especially urgent. Probably, no one has yet forgotten the events of September 11 or the armed seizure of the school in Beslan. In addition, military conflicts in the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine are forcing the leaders of world states to prepare for the most extreme measures. There have been repeated statements from representatives of the United States, the EU and even Russia about the possibility of delivering a preemptive strike. This may be the only chance to guarantee the security of their country, the politicians say. Despite the fact that such actions are considered a gross violation of international law, the likelihood of this outcome exists.
Preemptive nuclear strike, what is it?
The ultimate method of influencing the enemy is the use of weapons of mass destruction, namely nuclear and hydrogen bombs. Due to its incredible power, this type of weapon is almost never used. Its main task is to scare and force the alleged enemy to refrain from armed aggression.
Despite their enormous destructive power, some countries still allow the possibility of using nuclear charges in the event that other methods of influencing the enemy turn out to be ineffective. In connection with the aggravation of Russia's relations with the EU states and the USA, disturbing news began to appear more and more often. It was even assumed that the United States was preparing to launch a preventivenuclear attack on Russia. Fortunately, there is no official confirmation of this, and such information is just a media fiction.
The Bush Doctrine
This declaration was created with the assistance of the 43rd President of the United States and expressed the principles of the country's foreign policy. Its main goal was the destruction of all international terrorist groups. In addition, all economic and political agreements were broken with the countries that provided assistance to the militants.
The next item in this document was the so-called pre-emptive strike doctrine. It stated that the United States reserves the right to carry out armed attacks on military installations and remove the current government of states around the world if their actions could directly or indirectly threaten the security of the country. America's new foreign policy was viewed negatively by many. Some politicians have said that the president wants to justify some of his erroneous decisions, one of which was the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, by such actions.
Russian Military Doctrine
Recently, the situation regarding Russia's cooperation with the EU and the US remains very tense. The main reason for everything remains the conflict in the east of Ukraine. In addition to economic sanctions, many European and American politicians are making statements about the need to strengthen the presence of NATO forces in the Eastern European region. In turn, the military command of the RussianThe federation sees such actions as a threat to their country. Therefore, statements were repeatedly made about amending the main document of the state responsible for its defense capability. A new version of the doctrine was approved in December 2014.
Some experts argued that it would include a clause according to which Russia has the right to launch a preventive strike against the United States or NATO countries in the event of a threat to the security of the Russian state. The doctrine does not contain this provision, but it says that the main threat to the Russian Federation today is the countries of the North Atlantic Treaty.
Events in Ukraine
The entire world community is closely following the situation in Ukraine. Despite the agreements reached, the situation in the region remains tense. Recall that many Western states accuse Russia of direct involvement in the conflict and the presence of federation troops on the territory of another country. A version was even put forward that a preventive strike against Ukraine using nuclear weapons might be carried out.
The Russian side denies any involvement in the outbreak of an armed clash on the territory of a neighboring state. The absence of the Russian armed forces in Ukraine was confirmed by both the president and the top military leadership. Despite this, the option of using force is allowed if a preventive strike is inflicted on Russia or if another threat arises that threatens the country's security.
Legal applicationpreemptive strikes
According to international law, every country has the ability to take appropriate countermeasures in response to aggression or breach of the peace. In turn, the UN Charter states that a preemptive strike is an illegal method of countering a threat. It is allowed to carry out such measures only in case of a clear danger and after agreement with the UN committee. Otherwise, it will not be considered self-defense, but an act of aggression against another state.
For preventive action to be legal, first you need to collect evidence against another state, confirming that it is a clear threat to peace. And only after consideration of all documents by the UN Security Council, a decision is made regarding further actions against the aggressor.
