Which term describes the extremely harsh treatment of a defeated power to eliminate future threats?

The term "Carthaginian Peace" effectively describes the extraordinarily harsh treatment of a defeated power aimed at eliminating any potential threats to the victor. This phrase originates from the aftermath of the Third Punic War when Rome decisively defeated Carthage in 146 BCE. The Romans not only destroyed the city of Carthage but also imposed severe punishments and restrictions on its territory and populace to ensure that it could never rise as a military competitor again. This approach to dealing with a conquered enemy typically involves extreme measures that exceed mere military victory and enter the realm of total subjugation.

In historical contexts, the notion of a Carthaginian Peace has been used to describe policies that seek to completely dismantle the power and influence of a rival, often involving punitive reparations or territorial concessions that go beyond traditional peace terms. This concept illustrates the broader idea of using extreme measures in warfare to prevent future conflicts, thereby prioritizing the security interests of the victor.

The other terms are less applicable in this context. Just War Theory relates to the ethics of warfare and the conditions under which war can be deemed justifiable. Collective Defense pertains to agreements among nations to defend one another, which does not inherently involve punitive measures against a defeated power. Irred