from Vico

"Wars are generally fought by nations who speak distinct languages and are therefore 'mute' in relation to each other." [para 487]
Giambattista Vico, The New Science, trans. David Marsh.

He meant this more or less literally, but it should perhaps be taken, not metaphorically, but at least with the words 'language' and 'mute' in their broad meanings; same with 'nation,' i suppose.