Introduction: Making Sense of “Likelihood of Success” in the Just War Tradition

This introduction to the special themed issue on likelihood of success in the just war tradition introduces the problems associated with this prudential jus ad bellum principle, and summarizes the key findings and arguments of the articles in the issue. It concludes that the likelihood of success must be understood organically and cohesively, within the larger tradition, with a special emphasis on the practical applications for justice to which the just war is dedicated.