Apartheid Quote by Cornel West
“I'm not a pacifist at all; I think there is a notion of "just war" that can be persuasively argued. I think in the face of Nazis, in the face of apartheid, that I would have joined those armies. But that's the last, last resort.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public lecture, 2015, University of Chicago
The speaker argues that while pacifism is ideal, there are extreme moral crises where violent resistance may be justified as a last resort.
In simple terms: War can be morally justified only in extreme cases like fighting Nazis or apartheid.
Key Takeaway
Consider violence only when all peaceful options fail.
Themes
morality
war
justice
politics
ethics
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- Human rights activism
- genocide prevention
- civil war resistance
- anti‑apartheid movements
Key Concepts
Just war theory
moral dilemma
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- When is war truly the last resort?
- How can we ensure “just war” criteria are not abused?
A Different Perspective
Violence can exacerbate harm and may be misused, so strict criteria are essential.
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