Death Quote by Judith Butler
““In other words, they appeal to the state for protection, but the state is precisely that from which they require protection. To be protected from violence by the nation-state is to be exposed to the violence wielded by the nation-state, so to rely on the nation-state for protection from violence is precisely to exchange one potential violence for another. There may, indeed, be few other choices.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Political theory, unknown publication
People seek protection from the state, yet the state itself is a source of violence, making reliance a trade of one risk for another.
In simple terms: State protection can be another threat.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess reliance on state security.
Themes
politics
violence
state power
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- public policy
- human rights
- security debates
Key Concepts
social contract
risk analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- Can alternatives to state protection exist?
- What safeguards limit state violence?
A Different Perspective
State may be unreliable protector.
