America Quote by Michael Ignatieff
“Commerce has changed the ethics of citizenship and the incentives for national service. America now buys private contractors - we used to call them mercenaries - to do the country's fighting.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Responsibilities of the Nation State" by Michael Ignatieff, 2005
Privatizing warfare changes civic duties and national service incentives, turning soldiers into contractors.
In simple terms: Private war changes citizenship duties.
Key Takeaway
Reevaluate civic responsibility.
Themes
citizenship
war
economics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government contracts
- military recruitment
- public debate
- legal reform
Key Concepts
political theory
military ethics
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- Should citizens demand public oversight?
- What are the long‑term effects on national identity?
A Different Perspective
Private forces may erode democratic accountability.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
