Single Idea 19904

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism]

Full Idea

Captives, taken in a just and lawful war, and such only, are subject to a despotical power, which, as it arises not from compact, so neither is it capable of any, but is the state of war continued.

Gist of Idea

Legitimate prisoners of war are subject to despotism, because that continues the state of war

Source

John Locke (Second Treatise of Government [1690], 205)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Two Treatises of Government' [Everyman 1988], p.205


A Reaction

How long after a war finishes is such despotism legitimate? What happened to the German prisoners in Russia in 1945? Locke defined despotism as the right to kill, but that is expressly contrary to the rules of war, look you.

Related Idea

Idea 19903 Despotism is arbitrary power to kill, based neither on natural equality, nor any social contract [Locke]