united-states international legal-history legislature united-nations-charter
How did the USA justify its war against Vietnam by way of International Law?
<p>According to Shaws book on International Law:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The Soviet Union made considerable use of legal arguments in its efforts to establish its non-liability to contribute towards the peace-keeping operations of the UN [sic]. And the Americans too, justified their activities with regards to Cuba and Vietnam by reference to international law.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>Q. What were the US arguments, I assume at the UN, with regards to its war in Vietnam?</strong></p>
<p>If it's not clear, I'm not asking here about the political dimensions but it's legal dimensions; (although the political dimension would be welcome).</p>

<h2>They were there at the invitation the government of Vietnam</h2>
<p>This is the justification.</p>
<p>The government of South Vietnam was the internationally recognised government of South Vietnam (at least by the USA and it’s allies - it’s not a requirement of international law to be recognised by everyone). They were engaged in counter-insurgency against internal rebels. They asked the USA and other nations to help. Those nations agreed to help.</p>
