"Another term for preventive war is aggressive war - starting wars because someday somebody might do something to us. That is not part of the American tradition"

Ron Paul's quote provides a review of the principle of preventive war, a technique where a nation initiates a military conflict based on the belief that an enemy might pose a hazard in the future. By prefacing preventive war as associated with "aggressive war", Paul highlights the inherent offensiveness in such a technique. Unlike protective wars, which are battled in action to direct and instant hazards, preventive wars are preemptive, based on forecasts of what may occur rather than what is taking place. This makes them controversial and intriguing as they can be interpreted as acts of aggression, instead of self-defense.

Paul's assertion that this type of warfare "is not part of the American tradition" speaks to the historical principles upon which the U.S. was established, particularly the focus on defense instead of offense. Generally, the American doctrine has been rooted in just-war theory, which promotes for war as a last option and just in cases of clear and direct aggressiveness. This viewpoint resonates with the international principle of sovereignty, recognizing the rights of nations to exist without disturbance unless they posture a direct risk to others.

Additionally, Paul's declaration shows suspicion toward the morality and efficiency of preventive war. By participating in warfare based upon possible future actions, such a technique risks international condemnation, weakens diplomatic relations, and can result in prolonged and unneeded disputes. It likewise sets a precedent that may encourage other countries to act similarly, consequently increasing international instability and the likelihood of conflicts.

In critiquing preventive war, Paul appears to call for adherence to a more restrained and principled foreign policy, one that depends on diplomacy and concrete evidence of risks rather than opinion. His statement is a tip of the potential effects of deserting conventional protective postures in favor of speculative aggression under the guise of prevention.