Critical Theory of Might

The application of Critical Theory to might—the power of force, coercion, and violence—examining how might is used, justified, and resisted. Critical Theory of Might asks: What is might? How does it relate to right? How do those with might justify their dominance? How does might shape society, politics, and everyday life? Drawing on thinkers from Thucydides to contemporary critics of state violence, it insists that might is never just force—it's always accompanied by stories that make it seem legitimate, necessary, inevitable. Understanding might requires understanding how it's legitimated—and how it might be challenged.

"Might makes right, they say. Critical Theory of Might asks: says who? The powerful always have stories to justify their power. The strong claim they protect the weak; the violent claim they keep order. Might isn't right—it's just might. Critical theory insists on asking: who benefits from the story that might equals right? And what would justice look like without that story?"

by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal March 4, 2026