more from Michael Walzer

Single Idea 23579

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / d. Non-combatants]

Full Idea

Soldiers must feel safe among civilians if civilians are ever to be safe from soldiers.

Gist of Idea

Soldiers will only protect civilians if they feel safe from them

Source

Michael Walzer (Just and Unjust Wars [1977], 11)

Book Reference

Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.182


A Reaction

This is the great dilemma of any resistance movement. It is very easy for the soldiers to abuse their power, even if they do feel safe. Then what?