Ambassador Nikki Haley, American Permanent Representative to the United Nations, warned North Korea today that the country would be “utterly destroyed” if it launches an attack against America. “We have never sought war against North Korea, and still today, we do not seek it. If war does come, it will be because of continued acts of aggression like we witnessed yesterday. And if war comes, make no mistake, the North Korean regime will be utterly destroyed.”
“We have never sought war against North Korea, and still today, we do not seek it.
Diplomats are often accused of speaking in veiled terms, with nuance, tact, and even in soft words. The old joke is that the art of diplomacy is to tell a man to go to Hell in such a way that he actually looks forward to the trip. But that is true only some of the time.
The true art of diplomacy is clarity. Sometimes, it is to tell an enemy that if he attacks us, we will neutralize his weapons, kill his army, remove him from power, and imprison or kill him. Ambassador Haley’s statement is a perfect example of true diplomacy.
“Just War Theory”
It is also a recognized precursor to a “just war,” or more particularly to a just cause for war (“jus ad bellum”). The ancient text of the Mahabharata first mentioned the concept of a just war. It was articulated in the Christian world by St. Augustine of Hippo in the Fourth Century, who based it upon a Bible passage about being subject to earthly rulers, Romans 13:3-4. “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil…. For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.”
Augustine taught that men should follow their governing leaders and fight in declared wars. He also called on rulers to be sure that their wars were just. Refinements of the just war theory were developed by Thomas Aquinas and others a millennium or more later. In addition to requiring that the violence be waged by a government, they mandated that every possible means must be employed to settle a conflict without war, including dialogue and negotiations.
Nearly another millennium after Aquinas, the modern nation states of the world still follow the just war theory, although few still relate it to Christian doctrine or Bible verses. It has become the universally accepted standard for nations to show they have good intentions. Barack Obama would have described it in terms of being on the right side of history.
Nikki Haley and North Korea
Nikki Haley’s statements at the UN today are part of the ritual of showing the world that we are trying to avoid war – a vital precursor to a just war. They are reminiscent of statements made by previous American diplomats, such as James Baker and Colin Powell, warning dictators not to go too far in pursuing their dreams of conquest.
“…all countries should sever diplomatic relations with North Korea.”
In addition to her stark warning, Haley also called on other countries to do all in their power to make clear to Kim Jong Un that using nuclear weapons will not benefit him. She made an extraordinary plea to the international community to isolate North Korea. “In addition to implementing all UN sanctions, all countries should sever diplomatic relations with North Korea.”
China Should “Stop the Oil”
Finally, Ambassador Haley called on China to exert greater pressure on its client state. “We know the main driver of [North Korea’s] nuclear production is oil. In 2003, China actually stopped the oil to North Korea. Soon after, North Korea came to the table. We need China to do more.”
“We now turn to President Xi to take that stand. We believe he has the opportunity to do the right thing for the benefit of all countries. China must show leadership and follow through. No one can doubt that the North Korean dictator is getting more aggressive in his obsession with nuclear power.”
America is leaving no doubt in the minds of any international observer. Whether other nations subscribe to the theory of just war or not, they know that we do. They know how we prepare for war; they have seen the signs before. Ambassador Haley could not have made it more clear: we do not seek war, but we are prepared for it. And we will visit utter destruction on North Korea if they try to wage it against us.
