Student Question
Considering historical events and values like freedom and safety, is war ever justified?
It seems to me that more and more people in our society believe that war is never justified. Books like My Brother Sam is Dead even call into question whether the War for Independence was justified. I think this is a naive view. As a student of history, it is apparent to me that there have been leaders and rulers in history who were simply evil and there are causes that are simply right. Slavery in the United States was wrong, and it is too bad that our country had to suffer terribly from the Civil War, but if that is what it took to end slavery, that is what it took. Adolf Hitler was evil. He killed millions of people for nothing but their race. Neville Chamberlain tried negotiation with him, but Hitler broke the pact as soon as it was convenient. Evil people do not keep their promises. They say one thing and do another. How can we negotiate or compromise with someone who does not keep their word.
There are still some things worth dying for and things like the freedom to worship as we choose, the right to a fair trial before imprisonment, the right of people to live in safety without constant fear, the right of women to be treated as humans not animals. These are things worth fighting and even dying for.
Quick answer:
War can be justified when facing evil leaders or in defending fundamental rights like freedom and safety. While some argue war is never justified, historical events such as the fight against Hitler or the end of slavery in the U.S. suggest otherwise. Although negotiation is preferred, it often fails against those who break promises. In a world with persistent evil, war sometimes becomes necessary to protect human values and rights, despite its tragic costs.
I agree with other editors on this one - war seems to be a reluctant inevitability in a world where evil dictators are able to seize power and rapaciously exploit others. There are countless cases where war has been completely justified as a humane act. Unfortunately, there are a myriad of other cases where it hasn't.
In regards to the original post, you are right--it has certainly become politically correct to argue that war is never justified. Perhaps some wars could have been prevented through negotiations, etc. But how long do humans wait while people die from genocide, terrorism, etc., while negotiate before moving to another means of persuasion?
Post #9, you are certainly accurate in your assessment. Right now, none of know what the outcome of the current conflicts in the world will be, and it might be years before someone can argue about the justification of those wars.
Post #6, do you have numbers to back up your claim that more people have died during the war in Iraq than during Hussein's reign? I haven't seen any statistics to support your claim. Additionally, I currently teach a Kurdish student who feels that even though life has been difficult in Iraq, it is still better than it was under Saddam's reign. My husband has spent over two years in Iraq and has met many Iraqis who appreciate what foreign soldiers are doing there and who long to rid themselves of insurgents (most of whom are not Iraqi) and establish a nation that most likely would not have been possible under Saddam's rule.
Is war ever justified? Yes, war can be justified, but only in retrospect. The only wars that can be justified are the wars that ended the way the person trying to do the justifying wanted them to end. Wars can never be justified in a current event sense because the outcome is unknown. Leaders that are selling the war can only speculate that the war will be won and therefore the end will justify the means.
Many books have been written on this subject, and I don't think we'll ever have a final answer to the question. It's easy to say in hindsight that it was a mistake to become involved in a war, but in the heat of the moment, it is easy to understand why we went to war. When we watched the statue of Saddam Hussein being pulled down by the Iraqis, we all cheered. Several years later, however, we've forgotten that passion and are calling it all a huge mistake. To quote a very wise man: "There will always be wars and rumors of wars."
Call me a cynic, but the chances of all humanity gathering together to form a great pact ending all fighting is slim to none. It used to be, years ago, that wars were suspended during the time of the olympics. But such days are past.
We live in an age where war is not only justifiable, but necessary. The forces of evil that conspire against our freedom daily are numerous and powerful. If ever there were a time to break some eggs and make an omelette (metaphor), today is that day.
It is naive indeed to believe that if we all would just put down our weapons, the other side would quit fighting. Perhaps in the drug-induced fairy tale world of the hippies, such an option was available. In today's world, however, it's best to stick to our guns, both literally and figuratively.
If we could all agree...all humanity...that war is not justified, then there would be no need for it. We could all just meet in the town square over coffee and settle our differences. Or, like Lysistrata, just cut off the physical pleasure until the soldiers agreed to come home for good. However, since all humans aren't wired the same way and opinions will always differ, we will never get away from violence as a way to settle differences and regain a balanced peace. Your examples of Hitler and slavery as well as Hussein, and countless others we can name will always be present. Greedy, power-hungry, evil people will always crop up. Lord, the Antichrist is foretold to come soon. I hope we can all find the backbone to fight against him when he shows his ugly face.
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