It is, they say, not Russia that plans aggression but, on the contrary, the decaying capitalist democracies. Russia wants merely to defend its own independence. This is an old and well-tried method of justifying aggression. Louis XIV and Napoleon I, Wilhelm II and Hitler were the most peace-loving of all men. When they invaded foreign countries, they did so only in just self-defence. Russia was as much menaced by Estonia or Latvia as Germany was by Luxemburg or Denmark.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Mises critiques Russia's justification of aggression as self-defense, comparing it to historical invasions by leaders like Napoleon and Hitler who claimed similar motives.
- In plain terms
- Claiming self-defense to justify invasion is a common trick used by aggressive leaders throughout history.
- What can you take from it?
- Be skeptical of self-defence claims from powers expanding their control.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How often do states use self-defense rhetoric?
- What distinguishes defense from aggression?
Another view
Mises simplifies complex geopolitical motives into a binary of aggression vs defense.
More from Ludwig von Mises
Whenever they must choose between Russia and their own country, they do not hesitate to prefer Russia. Their principle is: Right or wrong, my Russia. They stri…
Permalink to quote #19 It is a fact that Mussolini entered the scene of world politics as an ally of the democracies, while Lenin entered it as a virtual ally of imperial Germany.
Permalink to quote #21 From a correct Marxian point of view [...], all measures designed to restrain, to regulate and to improve capitalism were simply 'petty-bourgeois' nonsense [..…
Permalink to quote #18
Related quotes
If you have any doubt about the degree with which this is self-defense, just look at those pictures from September 11th.
Condoleezza RiceCondoleezza Rice quote #4 We learned from Hitler at Munich that success only feeds the appetite for aggression.
Lyndon JohnsonLyndon Johnson quote #25 Douglas, Douglas, you would make Neville Chamberlain look like a warmonger.
Margaret ThatcherMargaret Thatcher quote #57