What does the principle of proportionality in the Law of War require?

The principle of proportionality in the Law of War requires that military actions must balance the military advantage gained against the potential harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure. This principle is grounded in the idea that while military operations may be necessary to achieve objectives, they should not cause excessive civilian damage in relation to the anticipated military gain.

This principle is essential for ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, which seeks to protect those who are not participating in hostilities, including civilians. It emphasizes the need for commanders to assess the potential consequences of their actions and to make informed decisions that strive to limit collateral damage.

In contrast, while prioritizing civilian safety and conducting operations with maximum force may appear relevant, they do not encapsulate the nuanced consideration of proportionality, which specifically looks at military advantage against civilian harm. Minimizing military expenditures is not a principle outlined in the Law of War and does not relate directly to the ethical and legal considerations put forth by proportionality.