“War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.”
- May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527
- Born in the Republic of Florence (Italy)
- Political thinker and diplomat
- Wrote The Prince, built the foundations of modern political science, and advocated realist political thought
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Quote
“War is just when it is necessary; arms are permissible when there is no hope except in arms.”
Explanation
In this quote, Niccolò Machiavelli expresses a central tenet of his realist political philosophy: war and the use of force are justifiable when they are necessary for the survival or defense of the state. Machiavelli suggests that arms (military action) are permissible not out of a desire for conquest or aggression but when there is no alternative and no hope for resolution through other means. Essentially, a ruler should consider war as a last resort, invoked only when diplomacy, negotiation, or other peaceful methods have failed or are not viable. This reflects the view that in certain situations, especially when national survival is at stake, the use of force is not only justified but also required.
Machiavelli’s perspective on war is deeply influenced by the political instability and military conflicts of Renaissance Italy. At the time, Italy was divided into city-states and constantly involved in external and internal conflicts. Rulers had to be prepared to use force to maintain control, defend their territories, and secure alliances. In his work, particularly in The Prince, Machiavelli argues that a wise and pragmatic ruler must be ready to use arms if necessary, understanding that the consequences of not doing so could be far worse for the state. He emphasizes that war is not an ideal, but a pragmatic necessity when the state’s interests or security are threatened.
In the modern world, this idea remains relevant in international relations and military strategy. War is still considered by many to be just in cases of self-defense or when a nation is under threat from aggressors. For example, World War II was widely considered a just war for the Allies, who were defending themselves against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Similarly, the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 was justified by many as a necessary military action in response to the attacks on 9/11. However, Machiavelli’s caution against war for its own sake is also echoed in modern debates about military intervention, where the long-term consequences, both ethical and practical, of armed conflict are carefully considered. In this sense, Machiavelli’s advice would suggest that military action should always be the last resort, undertaken only when all other options have been exhausted.
