International Humanitarian Law (IHL) is a set of regulations that aim to limit the damage caused by armed conflict. IHL has helped save numerous civilian lives and has been crucial in protecting soldiers on all sides during times of armed conflict. However, while these laws are very important during times of warfare, there is another vital component in limiting the suffering caused by war: empathy.
What is empathy? Empathy is the ability to share and connect with people through emotional connection and shared experiences. Now you may be wondering “why is this important” especially in the context of warfare. Having empathy during traumatic times can really help build community and reduce the amount of suffering individuals endure. People can connect and build understanding for shared experiences which is very important during scary times like global conflicts.
What happens to war efforts when they stop being empathic in war? Overall, we see a surge in casualties as soldiers are seen as mere pawns. One of history’s most infamous examples of “expendable” soldiers was the Kamikaze in WW2. The Kamikaze were suicide bombers deployed by the Japanese to attack US naval fleets. The United States Strategic Bombing Survey found over 2,550 soldiers died in these bombings while only having an 18% success rate. This was devastating for families to hear. When we guide military action with empathy, we can reduce casualties and bring peace to their families.
We must focus on the importance of human connection and empathy in reducing casualties during warfare. The laws and regulations set by the IHL are important but acknowledging the value of human life is emphasized is critical to ensuring that the conflict causes the least harm.
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