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Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without…

“Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defense can be just.” quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero
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“Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defense can be just.”

Marcus Tullius Cicero

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A war is unjust unless provoked; only wars for revenge or defense can be justified.

In simple terms: Unprovoked wars are unjust; revenge or defense can justify war.

Key Takeaway

Assess the moral grounds before supporting conflict.

Themes

justice war provocation defense revenge

Mood

serious reflective

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • military decision
  • international relations

Key Concepts

ethics political theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • When is defensive war morally permissible?
  • Can revenge ever be justified?
A Different Perspective

Just war theory is contested.

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