Society Must Be Defended is a collection of Michel Foucault’s 1975–76 lectures at the Collège de France, where he examines the relationship between war and politics. Foucault explores how society and its institutions use the concepts of war, power, and violence to enforce order and control populations. His analysis includes the transition from sovereign power to modern state control and the role of race and biopolitics in social structures.

Why Read This Book

• A deep philosophical exploration of power, war, and societal control from one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.
• Offers a critical analysis of how political power uses violence and the idea of war to manage populations.
• Foucault’s lectures provide insights into the mechanisms of modern governance, race, and politics.
• Essential reading for students of political theory, sociology, philosophy, and history.
• Foucault’s work continues to shape debates on the role of power, surveillance, and control in contemporary society.

About the Author

Michel Foucault (1926–1984) was a French philosopher, historian, and social theorist. His work examined the relationship between power and knowledge and how they are used as forms of social control. Foucault’s most influential works include Discipline and Punish, The History of Sexuality, and Madness and Civilization. His ideas have had a profound impact on sociology, political theory, and philosophy.