15/01/2024
Is Might Right?
Many years ago, when I was a high school student in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, our Debating Club organized a debate among students. One group of students was to argue for and defend “Might is Right.” A second group of students was organized to assert and defend “Right is Might.” The debate occurred at the height of American meddling in Southeast Asia and Africa. We had wars in Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Congo, and many other places, including the Middle East. Most of Africa was also under colonial rule. At the same time, the Soviet Union was causing havoc in Asia, Europe, and Africa. The cold war between America and the Soviet Union was at its highest. For tenth graders, the debate assignment was a huge challenge. The debate was part of our English and history class assignment. Both our English and history teachers were Americans.
After an hour and a half of heated debate, the moderator of the debate, Mrs. Wood, gave a summary of the debate. She said that "might is right" is often associated with the idea that power and strength are the ultimate justifications for actions and decisions. It suggests that those who can assert dominance or control have the right to dictate what is acceptable or moral. For example, if Emperor Haile Sellasie of Ethiopia had not been powerful and enlightened, he would not have been successful in making modern education accessible to most Ethiopians. Emperor Haile Sellasie, at that time, was revered by all Ethiopians who believed that he was “elect of God and anointed by God” to be the leader of Ethiopia.
As I understand it today, “Might is Right” can lead to ethical concerns and disregard for principles such as justice, fairness, and human rights. The adverse effects of “Might is Right” were demonstrated by the leaders of the Military Socialist junta and by the TPLF-led ethnic federalist government of Ethiopia. Thus, "might is right" has been used to justify authoritarian rule, military conquests, and oppressive systems worldwide. Today, democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law are often considered alternatives to the "might is right" mindset, promoting a more equitable and just society.
Regarding the concept of "right is might," Mrs. Wood said it represents a perspective that ethical and moral principles should be the guiding force behind actions and decisions rather than sheer power or force. She said doing what is morally right and fair would ultimately lead to strength and influence. This perspective, she said, is rooted in the belief that a society or individual that upholds principles such as justice, compassion, and human rights will, in the long run, achieve greater stability and prosperity.
As I understand it now, "right is might" encompasses many concepts, including the following, and requires continuous conversation, awareness, and education by community members and society. “Right is Might” asserts that:
1. Adhering to moral principles provides individuals or societies with a moral authority that can garner respect and support from others. This moral high ground can lead to increased influence.
2. Acting by ethical standards fosters social cohesion and trust. A society that values fairness, equality, and justice will likely have a strong sense of community, cooperation, and collaboration.
3. Emphasizing moral values can contribute to long-term stability. Societies built on principles of fairness, compassion, and justice are less prone to internal conflicts and more likely to endure over time.
4. Nations prioritizing ethical conduct and international law are often more respected in the global community. Cooperation and diplomacy based on shared values can lead to stronger alliances.
5. Personally, acting ethically and with integrity can build trust and credibility. Individuals who consistently do what is right are often seen as reliable and trustworthy.
6. Societies with just legal systems that protect individual rights and ensure fairness contribute to a sense of security. This, in turn, can lead to a more stable and prosperous society.
While the "might is right" perspective emphasizes power and dominance, "right is might" advocates for the strength of adhering to moral and ethical principles. It aligns with ideals such as justice, fairness, compassion, and human rights, fostering a vision of a society where power is wielded responsibly and ethically.
Currently, I observe a chaotic system in Ethiopia and the Middle East, where everyone is trying to garner power and wealth ruthlessly and with corrupt means. The leadership must work collaboratively with citizens and their neighbors and change the calculus. It must reform the justice system and law enforcement and forge a mutually beneficial agreement with neighboring nations. Israel must also apply the concept of “right is might” with their Palestinian neighbors in the West Bank and Gaza. The situation with Ukraine and Russia is a “Might is Right” game, which will ultimately lead to the impoverishment of the Russian people.
