by Henry Jones, Associate Professor in International Law, Durham Law School
This blog considers different forms and justifications for violence, ultimately supporting non-violence. It is part of the Extractive Industry and Foreign Security Network blog series.
What is violence? Is it ever justified? Is it inevitable? Who does violence to whom? The question of violence is a major theme of 20th century political theory. Rosa Luxemborg described violent struggle as the place where the proletariat become human beings.[1] In the 21st century, the place of violence is much more ambiguous. Partly because the violence of the state has become so much more total and all-pervasive and partly because the balance of arms is so unequal. This blog considers different forms and justifications for violence, ultimately agreeing with proposals for a radical non-violence. (more…)
