Civilians Quote by Elliott Kay
““CHAPTER FIVE Collateral Damage “In an ordinary war, we differentiate between combatants and civilians. Not everyone is part of a nation’s army. But what about a corporation? Surely security and fleet forces are combatants in the traditional sense. Are executives valid targets? Paying taxes is generally compulsory for a nation’s citizens, but are shareholders equally detached from a military effort? Are they collaborators? Where does one draw the lines, or are there any?””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Collateral Damage” Chapter Five, date unknown
War’s definition of combatants blurs when corporations influence conflict, raising moral questions about targeting executives and shareholders.
In simple terms: Corporate influence complicates who is a combatant.
Consider ethical limits of targeting non‑military actors.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- journalism
- activism
- investment
- military strategy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Should shareholders be held accountable for corporate actions?
- How can law differentiate civilian from combatant roles?
The argument may oversimplify complex legal and strategic realities.