Which term describes the obligation to distinguish enemy combatants, who pose a threat, from noncombatants, who do not?

Which term describes the obligation to distinguish enemy combatants, who pose a threat, from noncombatants, who do not?

• A. Proportionality
• B. Deterrence
• C. Belligerence
• D. Discrimination

Answer: (D)

The obligation to distinguish enemy combatants who pose a threat from noncombatants who do not is discrimination. In armed conflict, civilians and civilian objects are protected and must not be attacked, while combatants or lawful military targets may be engaged. This principle requires identifying legitimate military objectives and directing force only at them, aiming to minimize civilian harm. Proportionality governs how much force is appropriate for a legitimate target, deterrence is about preventing actions through threat, and belligerence refers to the status of parties in war—none of these capture the essential duty to separate fighters from civilians as clearly as discrimination.

The obligation to distinguish enemy combatants who pose a threat from noncombatants who do not is discrimination. In armed conflict, civilians and civilian objects are protected and must not be attacked, while combatants or lawful military targets may be engaged. This principle requires identifying legitimate military objectives and directing force only at them, aiming to minimize civilian harm. Proportionality governs how much force is appropriate for a legitimate target, deterrence is about preventing actions through threat, and belligerence refers to the status of parties in war—none of these capture the essential duty to separate fighters from civilians as clearly as discrimination.