Character Quote by Juan Cole
“An occupying power has no right to make significant alterations in the character of the occupied society, to change the laws all around, without a strong security reason and so forth.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Middle East Quarterly, 2004
An occupying power should not alter the occupied society’s character or laws without strong security justification.
In simple terms: Occupiers need strong security reasons to change laws.
Demand justification for legal changes under occupation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- human rights advocacy
- legal reform
- international law
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a strong security reason?
- How can occupied societies resist unjust changes?
Security claims can be vague and abused.