[Buddha-l] Buddhism & War: Use of Force and Justifications

[Mahinda Deegalle]

Dear All:
Is there any specific writings on the use of force
from Buddhist point of view? 
Any canonical or postcanonical authorities that can be
drawn to support the use of armies against others? 

On what ground, a Buddhist state can justify the
existence of an armed forces? Thanks for any help.
Sincerely
Mahinda Deegalle



Dr. Mahinda Deegalle
Senior Lecturer in the Study of Religions
School of Historical and Cultural Studies
Bath Spa University
Newton Park
Bath BA2 9BN, United Kingdom
Phone: 44+(0)1225-875429(W); Fax:   44+(0)1225-875605(W)