From ancient Rome to today, war-makers have talked constantly about peace

“When they make a wasteland, they call it ‘peace,‘” wrote the Roman historian Tacitus, in a turn of phrase that a classics scholar says has been relevant for centuries – including right now.

By: Timothy Joseph, College of the Holy Cross, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 21, 2026

Words: 1,206

Last Updated: 1 month, 3 weeks ago

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By Timothy Joseph, College of the Holy Cross

In a week filled with news about President Donald Trump’s aggressive moves to take control of Greenland, the world got a window into his thinking about the concept of “peace.”

“Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can …

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