The ethics of war, even in self-defense, is a complex philosophical and moral debate. While self-defense is generally considered a just cause, however, the ethical evaluation of war, even in self-defense, requires careful consideration of the principles of “Just War” and their application to specific circumstances.

Ethical and legal frameworks have recognized the right of individuals and nations to protect themselves under certain conditions against direct aggression, with assertion that a war can be morally justifiable only if force is used by a legitimate authority, with the intent to establish a just peace, after all peaceful alternatives have been seriously depleted. In this framework, it is compulsory that force is used with consideration and respect to the principle of discrimination by avoiding harm to non-combatants, proportionality as to ensure that there shall be no potential misuse of force.

Nonetheless, governments’ considerations of self-defense in most cases is deemed unethical, particularly when the use of force extends beyond the borders of the state, or the act of self-defense is approached without adequate transparency or accountability. It is important for governments to carefully weigh the ethical implications of the preemptive use of force without clear evidence, based on speculative threats rather than imminent danger, to which the act can be considered aggressive and may set dangerous precedents. Moreover, ethical concerns arise when self-defense might be selectively applied, upon which it would potentially result in discriminatory or biased actions against certain groups.