What is the concept used to assess whether the justification for action is disproportionate to the expected harms?

Proportionality is a critical principle in the assessment of military actions and the justification of those actions under international law. It requires that the anticipated military advantage from an action must be proportionate to the potential harm inflicted on civilians or civilian infrastructure. This concept ensures that any use of force is measured and balanced, avoiding excessive harm in relation to the military objectives sought.

In contexts such as armed conflict, proportionality serves as a guiding criterion to evaluate whether the overall benefits of a specific action outweigh the foreseeable negative consequences. This is particularly vital when determining the legality and morality of military operations, as it helps prevent unnecessary suffering and destruction, thereby fostering accountability and compliance with humanitarian law. The principle of proportionality not only influences tactical decisions but also resonates in ethical discussions surrounding military engagement and the preservation of human rights.