What is a common justification for military actions that result in civilian casualties?

The justification for military actions that lead to civilian casualties often revolves around the necessity to secure national interests. This concept rests on the idea that a nation may prioritize its strategic, economic, or political goals over the potential humanitarian cost of military operations. When a country believes that its security, sovereignty, or essential interests are threatened, it may undertake military actions that could result in civilian casualties, rationalizing these actions as necessary for greater national or security objectives.

For instance, a government might argue that intervention in a conflict is necessary to prevent a perceived threat to its population or to maintain regional stability, even if it risks harming non-combatants. This perspective often leads to significant ethical and moral debates regarding the justification of warfare and the protection of civilians in conflict zones.