Aggression Quote by Murray Rothbard
“All interstate wars intensify aggression – maximize it … some wars are even more unjust than others. In other words, all government wars are unjust, although some governments have less unjust claims…”
About This Quote
The statement argues that all wars initiated by governments are inherently unjust, though some may appear less so, emphasizing the moral problem of state‑led conflict.
In simple terms: All government wars are unjust, even if some seem less so.
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of any state‑initiated war.
Themes
war
morality
state power
justice
politics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
political
philosophical
controversial
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- military intervention
- public discourse
- international relations
Key Concepts
ethical philosophy
realism
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Is any war ever morally defensible?
- How do we assess the justice of a war’s cause?
A Different Perspective
It overlooks defensive wars where self‑preservation may be justified.
![“Now they [the Powers] have started the aggression, and the extinction of our nation is imminent. If we just fold our arms and yield to them, I would have no face to see our ancestors after death. If we must perish, why not fight to the death?” quote by Empress Dowager Cixi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/947/empress-dowager-cixi-68177_after-death_now-they-the-powers-have-started-the-agg_53275.jpg)
