America and Athens?

While weapons and man may change, the conflicts remain the same: two sides fighting over land, power, religion, or conflicting ideals. Blood is always shed, and rarely is either side happy with their lot in the aftermath. Such is the proud nature of man. Even today, parallels exist between ours and the ancient worlds. History repeats itself, and nowhere today is that more obvious than the United States and ancient Athens, two extremely powerful nations that had and have true hegemony over the civilized world of man.

Both Athens and the US boast powerful republics, with Athens standing as the first true democracy of man and the US designing a government based heavily on the Athenian ideals. These systems serve well to maintain peace among the people and aid in decision making to further the interests of the nation. Neither system is perfect, even with the 1,500 year boost that the Framers of the United States Constitution had. They have “strong tradition[s] of being a maritime power[s],” and have extreme global impact on every other society within their reach, creating conflict that is very similar for both nations.[1] The United States is the “international police power” of the western world, maintaining a constant presence on land, air, sea, and the cyber domain at all hours of the day.[2] The Athenian equivalent to this was the Delian League, their so-called alliance that they created with many other nations in the Aegean Sea. While it is true that the Athenians maintained a much more tyrannical rule of their League compared to the humanitarian and quiet presence of the American global presence, they both played the same role as the world power and they maintained conflict due to this position for many decades.

The true struggle that came from the Delian league was the Peloponnesian War, a long struggle between Athens and Sparta. “The growth if the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired” in Sparta was the catalyst for the war.[3] This can also be seen from Russia and China as a response to America’s power, with them trying to undermine and come out on top of the US. While it must be stated that, in the case of this conflict and the way in which Athens governed its territory, America and Athens are on opposite sides of this situation. America could be seen as more similar to Sparta, attempting to stop the inane rule of an all-powerful city-state that is holding the rest of the world hostage.

Athens played a very selfish role as a power, something that fits more rightly with the time. Aspects such as equality and empathy were few and far between in the past, but now are commonplace. It is blatantly apparent that Athens and America play very similar roles in the world that they are in, but the decisions that Athens made put them down a more negative and self-important path. America is a much more righteous nation, using their influence for good rather than bad. Their decisions may differ, but Athens and America had very similar encounters due to who they were and the role that they played.

Cyrus Malek-Madani

Word Count: 550

[1] “America Is Athens and That Should Scare You.” American Greatness. February 28, 2018. Accessed April 08, 2019. https://amgreatness.com/2018/02/28/america-athens-scare/.

[2] Roosevelt Corollary.

[3] History of the Peloponnesian War, Book I, 1.23

Was Christianity Inevitable?

Mankind has, for its entire existence, found a higher power to look up to and deem responsible for the workings of the universe that they do not understand. From ancient tribal people worshiping the sun and the rain, to the Greeks and Romans worshiping gods and goddesses with more human visages, religion has permeated and defined every culture. In the last two thousand years, one religion has risen above the rest and maintained power across the world. Christianity is the religion of our world and dozens of generations that have come before us; but how did this happen? What caused a simple splinter group of Jews to build a religion that was, and still is, so powerful was the workings of Constantine, the great Roman Emperor.

Christianity began through the work of Jesus of Nazareth, whose story as the Son of God is universally known. The religion itself, however, was an immensely complicated subject for the Roman Empire for many years, as persecution by the Jews and other religious groups was rampant. This went on until Constantine battled Maximinus at the Battle of Milvian Bridge.[1] From this battle came two very important events. First was when “in [Constantine’s] sleep the Christ of God appeared to him,” and told him that he would win if he fought under the banner of Chi Rho, the symbol of Christianity and Jesus.[2] Second was Constantine’s victory, which allowed him to become the sole ruler of the Roman Empire. This event, this simple battle at the Melvian Bridge, was the most important moment for Christianity. If Constantine had lost or been killed in the battle, Christianity very well could have fizzled out like so many other religions before and after it. This crucial historical event drastically changed the future of the world, but Constantine did not end his campaign there. Due to the events that transpired in his dreams, he converted to Christianity and began to promote it across the Empire.[3] His most notable action in this regard was his Edict of Milan, passed in 313 AD, that stated that anyone “who wishes to observe Christian religion may do so freely and openly, without molestation.”[4] This made Christianity into an official religion of the Roman Empire, an effort to end the persecution of Christians by the Jews and other religious groups. Constantine also incentivized the conversion of the populace to Christianity, providing tax breaks to farmers and other groups and giving soldiers Sundays off.

Constantine’s interesting story and efforts throughout his rule as Emperor were absolutely instrumental in the success of Christianity in both the short and long run. Without his actions, Christianity surely would have disappeared into the mist. It seems that this fact is overlooked in the history books, but he was the most influential instrument in the dominance of Christianity in the Roman Empire and beyond. Christianity was not inevitable; it grew through hard work and the power of the throne.

– Cyrus Malek-Madani

Word Count: 505

[1] “The Battle of the Milvian Bridge.” History Today. Accessed March 31, 2019. https://www.historytoday.com/archive/battle-milvian-bridge.

[2] Eusebius: The Conversion of Constantine. Chapter XXIX.

[3] “The Battle of the Milvian Bridge.” History Today.

[4] The Edict of Milan.

The Art of War and the United States Naval Academy

War is a constantly changing force. From sticks and stones, to bows and arrows, to bombs and missiles, man has continually pushed the limits of technology and innovation in order to devise the most efficient and deadly battle machine possible. As the tools of war advance, what of its philosophy? Its inherent rules and foundations? Since man has waged war, nothing has changed in these regards. What Sun Tzu speaks of regarding war in his work The Art of War still rings true in our world, and is still taught to the warriors of today; especially in a place such as the Naval Academy.

Sun Tzu’s work is filled with messages of how to win in battle and dominate your enemies; but this is not his sole focus. He speaks of leadership and using adversaries own strengths and weaknesses against them: “the soldier’s spirit is keenest in the morning; by noon it has dulled…The skillful warrior avoids the keen spirit, attacks the dull.”[1] He discusses the definition of war, splitting it into “Five Fundamentals… The Way, Heaven, Earth, Command, [and] Discipline,” and even states that “The Skillful Strategist defeats the enemy without doing battle.”[2] In all, Sun Tzu’s work is a doctrine of how to run, maintain, and efficiently utilize a military force to achieve a means with as little loss and little effort as possible. He believed that the smarter and more capable the leader, as long as they know his ideals, will be victorious with the least effort possible. He exemplifies the teaching of “the easiest way to achieve a specific goal,” while still retaining a solid and respectable stance among both those who you are leading and those who lead you.[3]

Since coming to the Naval Academy, I have seen that Sun Tzu’s teachings are inherent aspects of military learning. Excluding the topics of tactics and direct military strategy, which I have yet to truly experience or see put fully into effect, particulars such as the Five Fundamentals are the foundation of true military doctrine; especially for us here, since we will be the leaders that must uphold and represent these traits. These are what I see as the most effective teachings of Sun Tzu, as they for the base that leadership and respect are built off of. The Way is respect gained from those you lead, who will die following you onto any battlefield. Heaven is the changing tide that we must all learn to accept as part of our lives. Earth is the constant changing if the battlefield itself, pitting us either against powerful or nonexistent forces. Command and Discipline, the final two, are the most poignant. They embody what the United States military stands for, and what we are taught here: “wisdom, integrity, compassion, courage, severity… organization, chain of command, [and] control of expenditure.”[4] We are taught to live with integrity, honor, courage, and commitment here at the Academy. Seeing how much of an emphasis Sun Tzu put on these aspects is heartening; we are living by a code tried and tested for hundreds of years.

Sun Tzu was a master of military knowledge, but also knew the makings of a phenomenal leader. His teachings are the basis of service, and it is apparent that the Naval Academy and beyond has built its culture around Sun Tzu’s ideals. It is exhilarating to be a part of such an ancient and time-honored tradition, and to be taught from the handbook of one of the greatest military leaders of all time.

Cyrus Malek-Madani

Word Count: 595

[1] Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Chapter 7.

[2] Ibid, Chapter 1.

[3] Clear, James, and James Clear, “Applying Lessons from Sun Tzu and The Art of War to Everyday Life,” Lifehacker. October 10, 2016, Accessed March 07, 2019, https://lifehacker.com/applying-lessons-from-sun-tzu-and-the-art-of-war-to-eve-1787621192.

[4] Sun Tzu, The Art of War, Chapter 1.

Julius Caesar and Nicolás Maduro: Regimes

Regime change is a common occurrence in every political climate. Death, dislike, and inability to command are just a few causes of leaders or systems being removed for something more preferable. Looking at the past and the present there are many different regimes of men that can be compared to see what went right and what went wrong, while also showing what mistakes cannot be made if a nation wants to maintain their government. An example of two of these rulers are Julius Caesar, whose career was highlighted by his amazing ability as a general, and Nicolás Maduro, who inherited a rich and prosperous country built on its abundant oil supply.

Both Caesar and Maduro had many opportunities available to them in their positions. Caesar, the leader of the most powerful empire of his time, could have done anything with the nation he had built. While he did provide for his citizens, supplying them with a better and more enjoyable life, he let his own personal greed get the best of him. He “accepted excessive honors… too great for a mortal man,” an aspect of Roman culture that was looked down upon with severe disgust.[1] An example of this is the minting of coins with his silhouette. This deified him, putting him above the rest of mankind. The Romans looked at this with extreme discomfort and fear, worrying that Caesar was planning on instating himself as a king. This led to his assassination and the end of his regime. Maduro serves as another example of regime failure, but his has not yet reached its conclusion. He gained power following Hugo Chávez, and had the opportunity to utilize the great stores of oil in the country to better the people and bring about a new era of industry. Instead, he has continued to plunge Venezuela into debt.[2] He has caused the country to go into a food and medicine shortage, with “thousands of people [fleeing the] dire crisis there every day.”[3] Though his reign is terrible and tyrannical, his end has not come to fruition yet. His actions have prompted political suicide rather that assassination, as his recent rigged election has led to more than 40 countries “refusing to recognize Maduro’s government.”[4] His rule is deteriorating quickly, and soon Venezuela will have to find a new leader.

There are many differences between Caesar and Maduro, most notably in the ways that they came to power and the large period of time between their rules. Caesar did many great things for his people in the time that he was dictator, but his few mistakes were fatal. He brought about a great age for the Romans, and left Augustus behind to continue this trend. Maduro is, simply, a tyrant dictator in the position for his own good. Nothing is going to come from what he does other than pain and suffering of his people. What we can learn from Caesar is great, when looking at the situation from this scope. Perform actions with the best intentions, but do not allow oneself to get carried away in the position. Be a kind and compassionate ruler that serves the people, not one that serves himself. Maduro could have learned from Caesar, but chose instead to rule with an iron fist of oppression.

Cyrus Malek-Madani

Word Count: 599

[1] Suetonius, “The Lives of the Caesars, the Deified Julius,” 110 CE, Section LXXVI.

[2] Garcia, Henkel, “Nobody Is Going to Bail out Venezuela,” The Conversation, September 19, 2018, Accessed March 02, 2019, https://theconversation.com/nobody-is-going-to-bail-out-venezuela-87428.

[3] Smilde, David, “Venezuelans Reject Maduro Presidency – but Most Would Oppose Foreign Military Operation to Oust Him,” The Conversation, January 14, 2019, Accessed March 02, 2019, https://theconversation.com/venezuelans-reject-maduro-presidency-but-most-would-oppose-foreign-military-operation-to-oust-him-109135.

[4] Smild, “Venezuelans…” X1

Similarity in the American and Athenian Court Systems

The American democracy has created one of the most powerful hegemons ever seen, maintaining power over the world for the last 120 years. Modeled after the Athenian democratic system, the United States has improved and altered their way of government to fit the changing time and values of society. Differences between the American and Athenian governments are obvious and abundant, especially considering the 2,500 years that separate them and the fact that they ran a direct democracy rather than a representative. That being said, however, there are many foundational similarities between our democracy and theirs, with the most prevalent being the implementation and use of the court systems to decide on both public and private affairs.

When the United States Constitution is examined, most namely the Amendments in the Bill of Rights, many of the most fundamental rules that govern the country deal with trials and juries. The Fifth Amendment lays out rules that “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury,” and further goes to ensure that no person will testify against themselves.[1] The Seventh Amendment preserves the right of trial by jury “where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars.”[2] Even more legislation beyond the Amendments has been passed in order to maintain the jury a court systems in the United States. Its main purpose is that it allows the people to be fairly judged by an impartial group of their peers that have been randomly selected. It has been effective and maintained order in the country for centuries, save the times before during slavery and segregation.

In ancient Athens, the court systems were the backbone of society. Similar to the United States, their “juries for the law-courts [were] chosen by lot.”[3] This was done so that each tribe would have an equal say in the proceedings, instead of just a random group of peers; but we cannot judge this based on our own current perception. Everyone recieved “pay for service in the law-courts,” a major reason that it was so popular for participation, but that and other differences must be overlooked.[4] What does matter is that representation was not held by one person or group, it was spread to ensure that equal views across Athens were represented and judged. It would take agreement from the majority of factions that a choice was correct for it to be a punishable offense. It is obvious that this never worked perfectly, as the Athenian society was rife with corruption and impartiality. In theory, this is how the court systems would have been run. Every person being judged equally across the board.

It is difficult to compare two societies that are separated so significantly by time and ideals, and it is almost impossible to look back through the lenses of the present and see things as our ancestors did. It is easy, however, to see how the American and Athenian governments differed and where they remain similar. There are many pieces that fit into both categories, but the importance behind trial by a jury cannot be overlooked as the most crucial and striking similarity. The American’s use of this piece of democracy has allowed the nation to remain strong and maintain its power across the world.

– Cyrus Malek-Madani

Word Count: 533

[1] U.S. Constitution Amend. 5.

[2] U.S. Constitution Amend. 7.

[3] Aristotle. The Athenian Constitution. Section 3. Part 62.

[4] Aristotle. The Athenian Constitution. Section 2. Part 27.

How has Tyranny Changed?

The topic of tyranny, in the modern world, carries connotations with words such as oppression, cruelty, and subjugation. When someone hears the word tyrant, they think of the wicked men in recent history: Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Fidel Castro. Men who ruled their country, or beyond, with true evil in their hearts. A striking example of tyranny just a few thousand miles beyond the United States border is the rule of President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. “His failed socialist policies and authoritarian rule have devastated” the country, leaving 90 percent of the population under the poverty line.[1] In 2017, over “73 Venezuelans died a violent death every day,” and the capital, Caracas, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world.[2] Maduro puts his political enemies in prison, has military members and protestors “brutally [tortured],” and his security forces have “carried out hundreds of arbitrary killings.”[3] Yet, Maduro has been elected to serve as President for another six years; through a rigged election, of course.[4] Maduro is a perfect example of a modern tyrant, power hungry and brutal towards anyone who even thinks against him. He has thrown democracy out of the window, caring only for his well-being and the safety of is power. In our age, tyranny is a lack of empathy as a leader. A lack of caring for those who you serve. As a leader, especially of a nation, much more should be given than taken.

In ancient Greece, tyrants were men “with absolute power, sometimes granted through election in times of crisis, sometimes seized through force of arms.”[5] They were men who ruled beyond the democracy, giving orders and controlling the populace as an autocrat or dictator. Their absolute reign allowed them to aid in improving economies and the lives of the citizens in their city-state. Men such as Herodotus, however, describe tyrants much differently. In his work The Histories, Book V, Herodotus described Aetion of Corinth as a terrible tyrant, driving Corinthians into banishment, “[depriving them] of [their] fortune, and a still greater number of their lives.”[6] Herodotus stated “There is nothing in the whole world so unjust, nothing so bloody, as a tyranny.”[7] Prosperity came as they served their people; but love for them was not always the case. Due to the fact that these leaders based their decisions on ideals and thoughts not supported by the democracy held so dear to the Greeks, many of them were villainized.

This bias against anything non-democratic breeds doubt regarding whether Greek tyrants were benevolent or, as we would say today, tyrannical. There are close similarities to the tyrants of old and new; however, they both throw out the idea of democracy and rule in an autocratic government, and, if word from Herodotus is to be taken as truth, they rule harshly and with an iron fist. Though, if information is to be taken from other contexts, Greek tyrants took care of their people, ensuring that they had lives worth living and food on their tables. It is difficult to discern which situation is truth, but it is apparent that the word tyranny has become much viler as time has gone on. As mankind has developed through the ages, tyrants have come and gone – and the definition of the word in our time has become much more abhorrent.

– Cyrus Malek-Madani

Word count: 511

[1] Kliegman, Aaron, “Venezuela’s Tyrant Gets Six More Years,” Washington Free Beacon. January 10, 2019. https://freebeacon.com/blog/venezuelas-tyrant-gets-six-more-years/.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Spodek, chapter 5, 141.

[6] Herodotus, The Histories, Book 5.

[7] Ibid.