What is a primary purpose of the Law of War?

The primary purpose of the Law of War is to prevent unnecessary suffering. This body of law, which includes treaties and customary international law, aims to limit the effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons. It places restrictions on the means and methods of warfare and provides protections for those who are not participating in hostilities, such as civilians and medical personnel.

By establishing rules that dictate how wars should be conducted, the Law of War seeks to alleviate human suffering, uphold human dignity, and mitigate the brutality of warfare. This encompasses a range of principles, including the protection of non-combatants and the prohibition of weapons that cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering. The emphasis on humanitarian considerations is central to the philosophy underlying these laws, highlighting the importance of balancing military objectives with humanitarian concerns.

Other options may reflect aspects related to military operations or strategies but do not capture the core humanitarian intent that the Law of War embodies.