military conflicts between countries have become an integral part of human history.Even today, in some parts of the world are armed confrontation, which are followed with destruction and many casualties.To get ahead of the aggressor, who is going to start a war, the defending party may pre-emptive strike.This concept originated 200 years ago, and today has become particularly relevant.Let's try to understand its meaning and to find out how to qualify these actions in international law.
Meaning
preventive strike - is the impact of armed conflict on the one hand to the other to get ahead of the enemy and prevent the possibility of the first attack.The purpose of these operations is the destruction of strategically important objects of the enemy that can give him an advantage in possible future war.Assume a situation where the government and the active military force to attack the aggressor Country B. strengthens the army carries out propaganda policy to hostile population.In such a situation in the country can get ahead of the enemy and the first to strike.
Unfortunately, many are abusing this rule, therefore 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 is stepping up military forces to protect the integrity of its territory.But another state can qualify these actions as a preparation for war and preemptive strike.This will be considered as aggression.
Examples of preventive attacks in history
As mentioned earlier, these military operations were carried out two centuries ago.The first one dates back to 1801, when the English fleet came to Copenhagen and opened fire on the courts of Denmark, as well as the city.Though the two countries and not in a state of war, but there were suspicions that the Danes secretly helped the French.By refusing to voluntarily provide their ships for inspection, they were severely punished by the British.
Next famous case occurred in 1837, where the British have also been implicated.He was linked to the attack on the ship Caroline, owned by Americans.British intelligence reported the presence of weapons, which was to reach the Canadian separatists that fought for independence from Britain.To avoid this, the British seized the ship, and then burned it.
In 1904, Japanese ships attacked the Russian fleet based in the Chinese territory in Port Arthur.During the attack were used torpedoes, few of which have reached the goal, but the Japanese managed to sink several ships.These events led to the beginning of the Russian-Japanese war.
such attacks carried out and the Japanese in 1941, when attacked the naval base at Pearl Harbor the United States.
preventive strike on the Soviet Union in Germany
From the beginning of the Great Patriotic War in 1941, no one doubts that it was an act of aggression of Nazi Germany against the Soviet Union.The purpose of these actions was to destroy the Soviet ideology, which replaced had to come National Socialism.Success in this campaign will be joined by new areas and gain access to vast reserves of resources that would be useful for further progress in Asia.
But in the mid-80s there is a new theory about the reasons for such actions of Hitler.It is based on the idea that the German army invaded the Soviet Union only in order to protect its eastern border.Documents have been provided, according to which the Soviet military command pulls together additional forces to the western borders ostensibly for subsequent attacks.But the theory of pre-emptive strike was quickly refuted by historians.That's because the Germans were preparing this attack for a long time, and confirmation of this is the so-called plan "Barbarossa", where everything is described in detail.In addition, they have violated the non-aggression pact that the two sides signed in August 1939
threats of preemptive strikes today
Despite the fact that the current situation in the world is relatively stable, there is still a number of threats that could undermine thisa fragile peace.In the XXI century.particularly relevant is the problem of international terrorism.Probably no one has forgotten the September 11 events or the armed seizure of the school in Beslan.Besides the military conflicts in the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine forced world leaders to prepare for the most extreme measures.Repeatedly heard statements from representatives of the US, EU and Russia, even the possibility of a preemptive strike.This may be the only chance to ensure the safety of the country - say the policy.Despite the fact that such actions are considered a flagrant violation of international law, the likelihood of this outcome there.
preventive nuclear strikes, what is it?
extreme methods against the enemy is the use of weapons of mass destruction, namely nuclear and hydrogen bombs.Because of its incredible power of this type of weapon is almost never used.Its main task is to scare and force the enemy to refrain from the alleged armed aggression.
Despite the enormous destructive power, though some countries allow the likelihood of nuclear weapons in the event that the other methods of influencing the enemy will fail.In connection with the worsening of Russia's relations with the EU and the United States, began to appear more and more disturbing news.Even assumed that the US is preparing a preemptive nuclear strike on Russia.Fortunately, no official confirmation of this is not, and this information is only an invention of the media.
Bush Doctrine
This declaration has been established with the assistance of 43 the US President and expressed the principles of foreign policy.Its main aim was the destruction of all international terrorist groups.In addition, the countries that provided assistance to the rebels, exploded all the economic and political arrangements.
next paragraph of the document was the so-called doctrine of preemptive strike.She stated that the United States reserves the right to carry out armed attacks on military targets and remove the current government of states around the world, if their actions are directly or indirectly threaten the security of the country.The new foreign policy of America was perceived negatively by many.Some politicians have said that such actions the president wants to meet some of their wrong decisions, one of which was the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001.
Military Doctrine of the Russian Federation
Recently, the situation remains very tense, concerning Russia's cooperation with the EU and the United States.The main reason is the whole conflict in the east of Ukraine.In addition to the economic sanctions, many European and American politicians make statements about the need to strengthen the presence of NATO forces in the Eastern European region.In turn, the military command of the Russian Federation sees such actions a threat to his country.Therefore, repeatedly been statements by amending the main document of the state, responsible for its defense capability.The new version of the doctrine was adopted in December 2014.
Some experts have argued that it will include a clause according to which Russia has the right to a preemptive strike by the US or NATO countries in case of a threat concerning the security of the Russian state.This provision does not contain a doctrine, but it is said that the main threat to the Russian Federation today make up the country of the North Atlantic Treaty.
Events in Ukraine
entire world community is closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine.Despite the agreements reached, the situation in the region remains tense.Recall that many Western states accused Russia of direct involvement in the conflict and the presence of federal troops on the territory of another country.It was launched even a version that may be carried out pre-emptive strike across Ukraine with nuclear weapons.
Russian side denied any involvement in an armed clash erupted in the territory of a neighboring state.The absence of the armed forces of the Russian Federation in Ukraine confirmed the president and the senior military leadership.Despite this, the use of force may be an option if it is applied to a pre-emptive strike on Russia or another arises threats to national security.
Legality of use of preventive strikes
Under international law, each country has the opportunity to take appropriate countermeasures in response to aggression or breach of the peace.In turn, the UN Charter states that a preemptive strike - an illegal method to counter the threat.Allowed to conduct such measures only in case of obvious danger, and after consultation with a committee of the United Nations.Otherwise it will not be considered self-defense, but an act of aggression against another state.
to preventive actions were lawful, to begin to collect evidence against another state, confirming that his hand is a clear threat to the world.And only after considering all the documents of the UN Security Council decision on further action against the aggressor.
