There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
The Great Seal was an early proclamation of 'humanitarian intervention,' to use the currently fashionable phrase.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Chomsky highlights how the concept of humanitarian intervention has historical roots.
In this quote, Noam Chomsky reflects on the concept of 'humanitarian intervention' as an idea that dates back to the Great Seal, suggesting that interventions typically framed as benevolent or altruistic have often served as justifications for underlying political agendas. The phrase underscores the complexity and sometimes the hypocrisy of international actions presented as moral imperatives.
Themes
HumanitarianInterventionPoliticsMoralityHypocrisy
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a debate about the ethics of military interventions.
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