Behalf Quote by Michel Foucault
“Wars are no longer waged in the name of a sovereign who must be defended; they are waged on behalf of the existence of everyone; entire populations are mobilized for the purpose of wholesale slaughter in the name of life necessity: massacres have become vital.”
About This Quote
War now targets entire populations under the guise of necessity, turning mass killing into a vital act.
In simple terms: War targets masses as essential.
Recognize the dehumanizing rhetoric of modern warfare.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- human rights advocacy
- military strategy
- media critique
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape our perception of war?
- What alternatives exist to collective violence?
Such framing can obscure accountability and moral judgment.