What is the role of government in ensuring an orderly, safe and non-violent society for its citizens? When that same government itself uses violence to achieve these goals, as in the war on terrorism since 2001, it is often presented as an exception or contradiction. These issues are far from new in the history of political thought, both in its modern and classical varieties. Join us for three evenings of this Contemporary Civilization Mini-Core: Law and Violence, with Professor Emmanuelle Saada, as we explore the complex relationship between State and violence. We will examine how classic political philosophy viewed the State as an instrument for protecting individuals from violence, but only through recourse to intense violence of its own. Don’t miss this special series, as we reflect upon current events through the lens of classical philosophical thought.