War can settle disputes, topple tyrants, and bend the trajectory of civilization—sometimes to the breaking point. From Troy to Hiroshima, moments when war has ended in utter annihilation have reverberated through the centuries, signaling the end of political systems, cultures, and epochs. The concept of the "citizen," an idea we take for granted, is historically quite rare - and was, until recently, amongst America's most profoundly cherished ideals.
Author: February 5, 2026
Published at: 2026-02-05 00:00:00
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