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In a democratic state the question of when it is appropriate to embark on a war is within the purview of the government, because it is the body responsible for any activity touching on relations between states and other political entities. This question has ramifications for defense of the state, its citizens, and its soldiers. Similarly, the question of what is appropriate action after the war, when working towards peace, is within the government’s purview because any step towards a settlement between the parties is of political significance in terms of foreign relations and is of internal political significance. The second question, however, deals with the activity of the military, a professional state organization, and often can be dealt with apart from the other two questions. This essay deals with the distinction between what is and what is not proper in military activity during an operation or in a war.