History of the Peloponnesian War: Term Paper

Not only did the fall of Athens indicate the end of progress and philosophical thought, but also ended Greece's contribution to the world as a whole. One must remember, however, knowing that Greece was the center of democracy, it was not as selective as some claim. In its claim of spreading democracy Athens was able to justify the coercion of various outlying territories and spread the image of the city-state as being the only universal benefactor of all mankind. Sparta had conceivably attacked Athens because she extended his need for expansion too far and Sparta feared that she would eventually become an Athenian colony and known to all historians is that Sparta leads but is not a follower (Strassler, 1996).

That which politicians and nations can learn form the Peloponnesian Greek tragedy may rightfully be applied to the present day and age. Whether or not history repeats itself is not a rhetorical question as all can seen in the events of 431 BC-404 BC being replicated in modern society.Today many countries around the world are not dissuaded from the dangers of war for they blindly prefer might to right. These countries are blindly confident in their future and are seemingly full of hope and aspirations beyond their perceived and actual power - yet not beyond their ambitions. Is it then, therefore, that war is determined by a moment which seems approving, right, and advantageous rather than by provocation? (Kagan, 1995).

Works Cited

Kagan, Donald. 1995. On the Origins of War and the Preservation of Peace. New York:

Doubleday,

Kaminer D, Stein D, Mbanga I, Zungu-Dirwayi N. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa: Relation to Psychiatric Status and Forgiveness Among Survivors of Human Rights Abuses. Br J. Psych 178 (2001): 373-377….....