Episode 399: Just War or Just Trump?

About this episode

Scott and Bill explore the moral complexities of war through the lens of Just War Theory, focusing on the conflict involving Donald Trump and Iran.

In this episode of New Persuasive Words, Scott and Bill wade into the moral fog of war, asking an old question that never quite stays settled: when, if ever, is war justified? Using the framework of Just War Theory, they unpack the escalating conflict between Donald Trump and Iran, and the public tension between Trump and Pope Leo. Is this war defensible under traditional criteria like just cause, proportionality, and last resort—or are those categories breaking down in real time? And what happens when political power collides with spiritual authority over the meaning of justice itself? Expect sharp analysis, a few irreverent detours, and a conversation that refuses easy answers. Because if Just War Theory is supposed to clarify our moral vision, this moment might be testing its limits.

People in this episode

Hosts: Scott Jones, Bill Borror

Topics covered

• Just War Theory
• moral justification of war
• political power
• spiritual authority
• Trump and Iran
• justice

Keywords

• Just War Theory
• moral fog of war
• Donald Trump
• Iran
• Pope Leo
• just cause
• proportionality
• last resort

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Iran