Articles: Control

The existing literature on jus ad vim is dominated by discussion of the potentially justifiable uses of such measures. However, measures of vis are often abused and used unjustly, including Russia’s use of the Wagner Group as a proxy in Africa and its ‘grey zone’ operations in Ukraine. How should liberal actors respond to unjust vis? This article focuses on this question in relation to the unjust use of proxies. It considers the ethical principles that should govern responses to proxies, such as the Wagner Group, given their use to reduce domestic political costs and maintain plausible deniability globally. It considers two issues: whether sponsors or proxies should be the primary focus of responses, and whether ‘tit-for-tat’ proxy warfare is justifiable. The article then draws on this discussion to highlight general considerations for the ethics of responding to unjust vis. Continue reading →