“There are only two cases in which war is just: first, in order to resist the aggression of an enemy, and second, in order to help an ally who has been attacked.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“There are only two cases in which war is just: first, in order to resist the aggression of an enemy, and second, in order to help an ally who has been attacked.”
Explanation
Montesquieu articulates a restrained and moral framework for the justification of war, limiting it to two clear cases: self-defense and the defense of allies. In doing so, he rejects imperial conquest, religious crusades, and preemptive strikes as just causes. War, in his view, is only legitimate when it protects against injustice—not when it serves ambition, revenge, or domination.
This stance is deeply rooted in Enlightenment thought, which sought to limit the arbitrary use of power and promote reason over violence. Montesquieu, concerned with the separation of powers and the rule of law, applied the same principles to international relations. By defining just war narrowly, he aimed to hold nations accountable to a higher moral standard, encouraging peace, diplomacy, and mutual respect between sovereign states.
Today, Montesquieu’s view resonates in international law, particularly in the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which permits force only in cases of self-defense or with Security Council approval to assist victims of aggression. His insight remains a powerful reminder that true justice in warfare demands restraint, clarity of purpose, and moral legitimacy—not power for its own sake.
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