Catholic just war theory’s colonial legacy shapes modern conflict narratives, obscuring structural violence and imperial power dynamics
Original framing: “‘Just war’ has guided Catholic thinking on conflict for centuries – including criticism of Iran war” — The Conversation - Global
The article provides a strong historical analysis of just war theory’s evolution, linking it to medieval European imperialism and its use in justifying colonial violence. It effectively traces how historical patterns shape modern conflict narratives.
The article reveals how just war theory, rooted in medieval European imperialism, has been used to obscure structural violence and legitimize colonial interventions.
By examining historical patterns and cross-cultural applications, it exposes the selective moral framing of conflict that serves geopolitical interests. The critique of marginalized voices and the need for decolonial ethical frameworks point to a deeper systemic issue: the use of religious and philosophical language to justify domination. Future conflict resolution must move beyond this legacy by embracing inclusive, interdisciplinary, and community-centered approaches that prioritize justice over imperial logic.