December 7, 1941, is etched into history as the day when the serenity of Pearl Harbor was shattered by an act of aggression, propelling the United States into World War II. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that come when nations choose the path of aggression. This lesson resonates throughout history and reverberates in current global affairs.
The surprise attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor was the impetus for the United States to get involved in World War II. Japan’s aggression transformed a regional conflict into a global battle and paved the way for unprecedented devastation, culminating in the use of nuclear weapons on the Japanese mainland. More than 400,000 Americans would die in the war and roughly 55 million total around the world. More than 38 million of those deaths were civilians.
Fast forward to the present day and the world is witnessing acts of aggression escalate nations into war yet again.
Russia’s 2014 and 2022 invasions of Ukraine have killed thousands of innocent people and pushed the international community to the brink of another global conflict. Russia has kidnapped Ukrainian children and relocated them into Russia. Russia has deliberately targeted civilian buildings with no military value, and destroyed power plants before winter to freeze Ukrainians. With tensions escalating and the specter of World War III looming, many countries are already involved in a proxy-war. Russia’s continuing aggression threatens to plunge nations into the abyss of warfare, endangering countless lives and destabilizing the delicate balance of global peace.
In the Middle East, the aggression of Hamas against Israel underscores a tragic pattern of escalation. In Early October acts of invasion, kidnapping and rape by Hamas haveled to measures by Israel to nullify the offensive capacity of Hamas. Because Hamas is using civilians as human shields, some of Israel’s attacks against Hamas are hitting ciivilian shields, resulting in the loss of innocent lives which Hamas will use to justify a perpetual cycle of hostility. As the world watches, the region becomes a crucible of suffering, with no clear resolution in sight.
In each of these conflicts the initial act of aggression prompted a vigorous defense and led to escalating warfare between the parties. And in each scenario, many innocent men, women, and children lives have been loss.
In the face of these conflicts – and many others throughout history where the same pattern was witnessed – it becomes imperative to advocate for an alternative approach: the Non-Aggression Principle (NAP). Living by the NAP means recognizing the futility of aggression as a tool of diplomacy and choosing peaceful means to resolve disputes. It is a call for individuals to embrace dialogue, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty rather than resorting to force.
As citizens, our power lies not only in recognizing the dangers of aggression but also in actively supporting political candidates and parties committed to the principles of non-aggression and non-intervention. The Libertarian Party stands alone in championing these ideals, offering a pathway to a future where diplomacy prevails over force. As a member of the Libertarian Party, you certify your opposition to the initiation of force to achieve political and social goals each and every time you renew your membership.
In a world teetering on the edge of global conflict, the Libertarian Party remains a steadfast advocate for non-aggression, non-intervention, and a force for peace. As strong anti-war advocates and proponents of the Non-Aggression Principle, we recognize how important it is to defend yourself when attacked. Once you are attacked, the principle of self defense requires you to disarm your opponent or be convinced that their aggression against you is ended. If an aggressor can attack you and count on a ceasefire to allow themselves time to consolidate and regroup, then those calling for such a ceasefire are part of the continued aggression against you..
Libertarians are anti-war but recognize Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russia’s aggression and reclaim all it’s territory.
Libertarians are anti-war but recognize Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas’s aggression until Hamas recants its goal of the total destruction of Israel.
Libertarians are anti-war, but we are pro-self-defense when aggression brings conflict to your doorstep. If your neighbor shoots at you from his house, you are under no obligation to cease fire when he stops shooting at you. We do not condone violence against innocent bystanders as seen in every retaliatory effort mentioned here, but note that the initial act of aggression demanded a response that led to the escalation of violence and the destruction of lives throughout the affected areas.
By supporting the Libertarian Party, you contribute to the momentum of a movement that seeks to break the cycle of violence and chart a course toward a more harmonious global society.
As we reflect on the lessons of Pearl Harbor and the subsequent tragedies born of aggression, let us commit to living by the Non-Aggression Principle. Join us in supporting a future where dialogue triumphs over conflict, where nations coexist in harmony, and where the horrors of war are relegated to history books.
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