“Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defense can be just.”
- January 3, 106 BC – December 7, 43 BC
- Roman
- Orator, Philosopher, Statesman, Lawyer, Author
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Quote
“Those wars are unjust which are undertaken without provocation. For only a war waged for revenge or defense can be just.”
Explanation
Cicero outlines a foundational principle of just war theory, asserting that only wars fought in response to actual harm—either to defend oneself or to avenge a wrong—can be morally justified. He condemns wars launched for conquest, ambition, or aggression, declaring them unjust and illegitimate. The idea is that violence must always be reactive and restrained, guided by moral reasoning rather than greed or power.
This view reflects Cicero’s deep commitment to Roman legal and philosophical traditions, particularly the influence of Stoic natural law, which held that justice must govern all human affairs—including warfare. As a statesman who witnessed the collapse of the Roman Republic, Cicero feared the rise of leaders who used war for personal glory. His insistence on provocation as a condition for just war served as a moral safeguard against militarism and tyranny.
In today’s global landscape, Cicero’s insight underpins much of modern international law, including the Geneva Conventions and the United Nations Charter, which restrict the use of force to self-defense or collective security. His words remind us that the justice of a war depends not on who wins, but on why it was fought—and that peace, not conquest, should always be the goal of political power.
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