"In all history there is no war which was not hatched by the governments, the governments alone, independent of the interests of the people, to whom war is always pernicious even when successful"

Leo Tolstoy’s statement underscores a fundamental skepticism toward the motivations behind war and the relationship between governments and their citizens. By asserting that all wars originate from governmental decisions rather than the genuine interests of the populace, Tolstoy draws a stark line between rulers and the ruled. Governments, he suggests, operate according to their own agendas, often disconnected from and even contrary to the well-being of ordinary people. This separation implies that power structures prioritize objectives, such as territorial gain, political influence, or preservation of authority, that do not align with the basic needs or desires of the majority.

Tolstoy highlights the universally destructive consequences of war for citizens, describing war as “pernicious,” or harmful, even when the side to which the people belong emerges victorious. The successes of war, therefore, are revealed as illusory in terms of public benefit. When a state wages war and wins, the people may bear increased taxes, lose loved ones, and suffer spiritual or psychological wounds. Behind every military victory lies a toll paid by those who had no real say in the conflict’s initiation or aims. Even when governments claim to act on behalf of their people, Tolstoy suggests that these claims are mere pretexts, disguising self-serving intentions with appeals to nationalism, patriotism, or security.

Underlying Tolstoy’s observation is a sense of moral outrage at the persistence of institutional violence and the manipulation or coercion of populations into supporting wars not of their seeking. His words encourage a critical stance toward official narratives about war, urging individuals to recognize the distinction between government interests and people’s welfare. Furthermore, Tolstoy’s critique calls for vigilant skepticism and a commitment to peace, grounded in empathy for those who suffer and a refusal to conflate the ambitions of the powerful with the genuine good of the populace.