The passage from Marcus Tullius Cicero’s On Duty provokes contemplation of the legitimacy of warfare. In his discourse, Cicero elucidates that the use of military might should be a last resort, yet can be justified in specific contexts. His conception of war is that its utilization is only justifiable when essential to guarantee peace and security (Cicero). Moreover, Cicero holds the view that those vanquished should be dealt with equitably and with deference. I agree that war can be justified under certain circumstances, and the United States’ participation in World War II is a prime example of a justified war.
In 1941, the Japanese Empire initiated a sudden onslaught on Pearl Harbor, prompting the United States to proclaim war against Japan and its confederates. The United States, concurrent with other Allied Powers, was justified in safeguarding itself from the Japanese Empire, which had mounted a military action without any communication of its intention or alert (Melber 6-7). The United States was further justified in preserving its allies in the Pacific region, which Japan’s belligerence had menaced.
The United States’ involvement in the conflict was indispensable to impede the proliferation of despotism and to assure its own autonomy. The United States’ joining World War II is a depiction of a war that was legitimate and essential. The United States was compelled to safeguard itself and its allies against the hostility of the Japanese Empire (O’Neil 25-26). The United States was also rightfully justified in safeguarding its autonomy and impeding the proliferation of totalitarianism. This case substantiates Cicero’s conclusion that war is only admissible in particular conditions.
Ultimately, I agree with Cicero’s stance that military conflict is only permissible under certain circumstances. The model of the USA’s involvement in the Second World War demonstrates that war can sometimes be indispensable for safeguarding a country’s independence and aiding its allies. If it is essential, it should be commenced with due respect for the defeated party’s entitlements. This aligns with Cicero’s opinion that justice should be extended to the vanquished.
Works Cited
Cicero, Marcus Tullius. “The Project Gutenberg eBook of De Officiis, by Marcus Tullius Cicero.” Gutenberg.
Melber, Takuma. Pearl Harbor: Japan’s Attack and America’s Entry Into World War II. John Wiley & Sons, 2020.
O’Neil, William D. “Pearl Harbor in Context.” Open Military Studies, vol. 2, no. 1, 2022, pp. 22-38.