Veridian, A.: The Codex of Constructive Sovereignty: The Idolatry of De-Escalation

This paper examines the moral danger of de-escalation, non-violence, and appeasement when they are treated as absolute goods rather than as context-dependent practices of judgment. It does not argue against peace, restraint, forgiveness, or non-violence. On the contrary, it recognizes them as among the highest achievements of moral life when they prevent unnecessary harm, restrain vengeance, and preserve the possibility of reconciliation. The problem arises when de-escalation becomes an idol: a