The phrase "ad bellum" is Latin and it means "towards war" or "for the purpose of war." It is often used in discussions about the justifications, motivations, or reasons for going to war. Full definition
Unlike the seven jus ad bellum criteria of just war theory, I believe there are three key political tests which give a good indication of whether a population will tolerate overseas intervention. (totalpolitics.com)
The question was: Did U.S. Catholics have enough information at their disposal in September and October of last year to be able to apply the ius ad bellum criteria? (firstthings.com)
And whatever one says about that jus ad bellum question, it seems evident that we have failed to pass the jus post bellum test (to use a phrase from Michael Walzer). (firstthings.com)