There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Over the years, there have been a series of concepts developed to justify the use of force in international affairs for a long period. It was possible to justify it on the pretext, which usually turned out to have very little substance, that the U.S. was defending itself against the communist menace. By the 1980s, that was wearing pretty thin.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote critiques the justifications for U.S. military actions during the Cold War, particularly the narrative of self-defense against communism that became increasingly unconvincing over time.
Noam Chomsky reflects on how various concepts were created to rationalize the use of military force in international relations, particularly by the United States during the Cold War. He points out that although these justifications were initially framed as necessary defenses against perceived threats like communism, by the 1980s, the rationale began to lose its credibility, highlighting the complexities and often dubious nature of political justifications for war.
Themes
ForceJustificationInternationalAffairsSelf-DefenseWarPoliticsCommunism
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about military intervention, this quote can be used to challenge the validity of justifications provided by leaders.
More from Noam Chomsky
All quotes βThe 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
Noam ChomskyRead
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
Noam ChomskyRead
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.
Noam ChomskyRead
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
Noam ChomskyRead
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
Noam ChomskyRead
Similar quotes
Deep down there was understanding, not of the facts of our lives so much as of our essential natures.
May SartonRead
Let us understand that God is a physician, and that suffering is a medicine for salvation, not a punishment for damnation.
Saint AugustineRead
With an abstract idea it is possible to enter into a relation of formal knowledge, to become enthusiastic about it, and perhaps even to put it into practice; but it can never be followed in personal obedience. Christianity without the living Christ is inevitably Christianity without discipleship, and Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.
Dietrich BonhoefferRead
During our dreams we do not know we are dreaming. We may even dream of interpreting a dream. Only on waking do we know it was a dream. Only after the great awakening will we realize that this is the great dream.
ZhuangziRead
It is intolerable that in our country citizens should feel so upset and under assault because of their religious choice that they would conclude that they have to hide.
Francois HollandeRead
I don't think one can write from a compromised moral position.
W. G. SebaldRead