'there was a rational prospect, ultimately fulfilled, that afflicted populations would exert pressure for the cessation of hostilities.' said in defense of systematic bombing of civilians (1981)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author defends civilian bombing by claiming it eventually pressured populations to stop fighting.
- In plain terms
- Bombing civilians is justified here because it supposedly made them demand peace.
- What can you take from it?
- Question ethical justifications for harm that claim long-term peace benefits.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can harm ever justify peace?
- How do you measure wartime success?
Another view
The claim relies on unverified outcomes and ignores immediate suffering.
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