Ancient & modern
AS the USA considers its impending assault on Iraq, von Rumsfeld would do well to ponder Thucydides' Melian debate. Athens was at war with Sparta, and in 416 BC decided to attack the island of Melos, which was populated by colonists from Sparta but, unlike the other islanders, had remained strictly neutral in the war, helping neither side. Before Athens did so, however, it sent a deputation, and the contemporary historian Thucydides records the ensuing debate: Melians: Such is your state of mind, it is clear that the result of the discussions will be either war or our own enslavement by you.
Athenians: There will be no point in continuing with these talks if you are simply going to speculate about the future and not face up to the real issue, i.e. how you can save your city from destruction.
Melians: We get the point.
Athenians: We are not going to say we have any right to control this part of the world; nor will it do you any good to say that you have remained neutral. The point, as you well know, is that when these matters are discussed by practical people, right is in question only between those who are equal in power, and that in fact the strong do what they have the power to do and the weak accept whatever they have to accept.
Melians: But there is a principle at stake of common interest to all, that of fair play and just dealing. This affects you as much as anyone, since your fall would be accompanied by the most terrible vengeance, an example to the world.
Athenians: It is a risk we are prepared to take. Now: for or against?
Melians: We could not, we suppose, remain neutral.
Athenians: Certainly not. That would be a sign of weakness in us.
Melians: But will that not make enemies of all the states that are presently neutral, who will immediately assume that you will attack them too? Thus you will strengthen the enemies you have already and force others, against their inclinations, to turn against you.
Athenians: We are not worried about them. Gods, we believe, and men, we know, by a necessary law of nature rule wherever they can. We did not make this law. It existed before us, and will exist when we are gone. We merely act in accordance with it, knowing that anyone else in our position would do exactly the same. Think about it.
It may not give von Rumsfeld any sleepless nights, but friends of America could toss and turn a bit.
Peter Jones
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