The paper explores a neglected condition for legitimate self-defense, 'The Success Condition,' according to which otherwise immoral acts can be justified under the right to self-defense only if they are likely to gain protection from the perceived threat. The idea behind this condition is that...

Assume that some group, A, is under a serious threat from some other group, B. The only way group A can defend itself is by using lethal force against group B, but the standard conditions for using force in self-defense are not met. Ought group A to avoid the use of force even if this means...