I would argue that the argument pertaining to sparing the Mytileneans was not one of idealistic morality, but rather one of non-interventionism (to some degree). The argument was not that the Mytileneans should be killed due to the fact that it was “wrong”, or that the Athenians had a moral obligation to spare them, but rather that it would not be in the best interest of the Athenians to commit such a deed (which was exemplified by Diodotus, as you have stated). It was argued that if punishing the Myteleneans was not to positively impact the Athenians’ situation, then the Mytileneans should not be executed. Although not explicitly stated, killing the Mytileneans would demonstrate the violent hegemony incessantly perpetuated by Athens, leading to growing resentment among the populations subjugated by the Athenians. As a result, said populations may eventually conspire to overthrow the ruling state when the opportunity arises, which would be detrimental to the prosperity of Athens. Both arguments were extensions of enacting a policy that was pragmatic in nature. …show more content…
Although the Athenians utilized brute force as a means to expand their “empire”, said force inherently resulted in the construction of a powerful entity supported only by the tenuous subservience of populations subjugated by the state. A similar parallel can be drawn to the way in which the Neo-Assyrians extended their empire, and how it fell. Furthermore, the utilization of force to extend one’s sphere of influence, while ostensibly realistic before and during its implementation, will ultimately lead to the downfall of any state that incorporates such a practice into its diplomatic
Armesto illustrates this with a range of examples, including the rise and fall of empires, the impact of technological innovations, and the influence of cultural exchange. The book also emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of civilizations. Armesto argues that no civilization exists in isolation and that the history of human societies is characterized by a complex web of interactions and exchanges. This is particularly relevant in today's globalized world, where the actions of one civilization can have far-reaching consequences for others.
While claiming to bring civilization to the untamed wilds , conflict in the Americas didn’t end as the Europeans created their empires. With new and growing territories, came new and growing tensions between neighboring powers, and these tensions often ignited into international conflicts. In these conflicts the
Communications and diplomacy is essential to the success of two societies that come to interact, especially when the peoples are so different as the Pamunkeys and the English colonies of Jamestown were. When societies share knowledge, resources, and goodwill, they build not only a better present but also a stable future. However, when they try to take advantage of each other by force, they bring instability to their people and those around them. A poignant lesson of this is seen in the interactions between the English and the Pamunkey people in the early 17th century.
How did the dominant countries of the world come to be dominant? Or, how did people living in the same time period, with crude and primitive technology come to overthrow other neighboring countries? Especially since these countries were inhabited by people with relatively the same intelligence levels as themselves. However, some historians would conclude that intelligence was, in fact, the main deciding factor for the overthrow of some countries. However, in this book, Jared Diamond tells how guns, germs, and steel are, in effect, the reasons for some cultures being superior over others.
The Barbarians were able to conquer the greatest amount of land in history. The question remains, however, with their amount of conquest, how savage were they? Despite the Barbarians’ positive influence to civilizations, their bloody, seemingly merciless conquests, outweigh the limited and sometimes even insignificant influences to other civilizations. The Barbarians’ army was merciless even to their fellow soldiers.
But, the figures of the Enlightenment have shaken the very foundation of nations, and different governments have come to power. New and bright leaders seek power and glory. An imperialist fervour has descended upon the peoples of Altera, as nations scramble to build their empires, competing with their rivals for land and resources. In this brutal world, survival of the fittest is an absolute truth.
Both the United States invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the French invasion of Egypt in 1798 demonstrated recurring themes and issues that take place when native populations are occupied by more powerful nations. Because the operations took place more than two centuries apart from one another, physical differences between the two invasions can be seen quickly and clearly, while more subtle psychological similarities between the two empires are harder to analyze. One would think that two hundred years of progress would put an end to the reappearing tragedies of violent conflict, but the personal qualities of humans constantly reappear. Throughout the events of both the U.S. invasion of Iraq and French invasion of Egypt, key differences between operational
It is interesting to point out that the Athenians start out by leaving justice out of the argument because they say they are not equal because they are much more powerful than the Melians and that justice is only power between equals (1). They leave justice out because they know they would lose the argument of justice against the Melians. They selfishly state that it is only good for themselves that they conquer the city but keep it intact (2). Furthermore, they say it is to their benefit if they give in even though the Athenians would benefit from it the most (2). However, they explicitly demonstrate the Machiavellian principle by appearing to benefit the Melians but not wanting to be friends because they seek it necessary to hate Melos to
Examining the history of colonial expansions, one can discern a rough but generally applicable pattern for the revolutionary subversion of non-Western societies. “Subversion began at the apex, with the defeat, humiliation, or overthrow of traditional rulers” (Reilly, 2000, p. 623; von Sivers, Desnoyers, & Stow, 2012). This was of vital assurance of law and order. With it went continuity of tradition, not only of governance but for all other social institutions, even consuming the subtle customs regulating the human psyche.(Reilly, 2000)Thus ended not only political, but also cultural determination. A new world emerged.
To begin, the foundation of every government’s power has always been fear. Governments depend on public fear to secure societal position. Tracing back to thousands of years ago, governments relied primarily on conquests. The research author Robert Higgs argues, “Losers who were not slain in the conquest itself had to endure the consequent rape and pillage and in the long term to acquiesce in the continuing payment of tribute to the insistent rulers.” In other words, Higgs’s point emphasizes that the government violently conquested lands and hence attacked people living there in the old times.
Throughout history, people had a desire for power and abused their power. Power is a significant enduring issue because it led to events that had huge effects on the world such as the Qin dynasty of ShiHuangdi’s ruling, Autocrats,
I think that there is a fallacy of irrelevance. In the book, Socrates sets out to defend the idea that it is always in one’s best interest to be just and to act justly and he suggests that the just person as one who has a balanced soul will lead one to act justly or why mental health amounts to justice. I feel that justice includes actions in relation to others, it includes considerations of other people’s good, and includes strong motivations not to act unjustly. I believe that Socrates’ defense of justice does not include constraining reasons to think that a person with a balanced soul will refrain from acts that are commonly thought to be unjust like theft, murder, and adultery.
The regions of the Middle East and China experienced many shortcomings and lost much in the areas of stability, security, and influence. The culture and society of Asia was moreover sewn together by the Mongols’ conquest and with this new empire and the nations which were under its reign were subject its many failing and critical flaws (Abu-Lughod 207). While much infamy and fear surrounded this vast Asian empire, its rule for time it had existed provided stability and set up routes towards other regions of the world, enabling the flow of international commerce. The lasting societal effects of the Mongol empire however, meant as the reign of the Mongol empire waned and dwindled, Asia in its entirety had become isolated and cut off from the much needed commerce and capital it needed to remain as capable competitor in international markets. The society of China suffered especially, having relied on the Mongol empire’s stability as its position as practically a protectorate, this massive nation’s position, influence, and wealth plummeted (Abu-Lughod 211).
Socrates believes that justice benefits the just, but also benefits the city (other people) too. He is faced with a seemingly simple choice, escape Athens or remain in prison and be sentenced to death. Socrates’ central argument against escaping his circumstances is twofold. First, Socrates argues that “one must never do wrong.” (49b)
It believes that all individuals are born with an increasing desire to own power hardwired inside them. In these circumstances dominant states should do direct high power over their rivals. In the other hand, structural realism does not define the quest for power, instead it is focused on the structure of the international