I have opinions of my own - strong opinions - but I don't always agree with them.
George H. W. BushRead
Appeasement does not work. As was the case in the 1930s, we see in Saddam Hussein an aggressive dictator threatening his neighbors.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Appeasement towards aggressive leaders only emboldens their behavior.
In this quote, George H. W. Bush warns against the strategy of appeasement, suggesting that yielding to the demands of aggressive dictators, like Saddam Hussein, only serves to encourage further aggression. He draws a parallel to the 1930s, indicating that history has shown such approaches are ineffective in preventing conflict and can lead to greater threats to peace.
Themes
AppeasementDictatorsThreatAggression
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate to illustrate the risks of concessions to hostile nations.
More from George H. W. Bush
All quotes βOne of the good things about the way the Gulf War ended in 1991 is, you'd see the Vietnam veterans marching with the Gulf War veterans.
George H. W. BushRead
Communism didn't fall. It was pushed.
George H. W. BushRead
The anchor in our world today is freedom, holding us steady in times of change, a symbol of hope to all the world.
George H. W. BushRead
It's too much show business and too much prompting, too much artificiality, and not really debates. They're rehearsed appearances.
George H. W. BushRead
I will never apologize for the United States of America - I don't care what the facts are. Said after 'Vincennes' shot down an Iranian Airliner.
George H. W. BushRead
Similar quotes
I don't think the Egyptian people want to see what is a very clear effort to obtain political and economic rights turn into any kind of new form of oppression or suppression or violence or letting loose criminal elements.
Hillary ClintonRead
The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and all to lose - especially their lives.
Eugene V. DebsRead
It is to be the assent and ratification of the several States, derived from the supreme authority in each State, the authority of the people themselves. The act, therefore establishing the Constitution, will not be a NATIONAL, but a FEDERAL act.
James MadisonRead
In Iran the whole reform and democracy movement has been based on the emerging free press.
Christiane AmanpourRead
There is an absence of democratic accountability and control in every sphere of government and the state. To address this debilitating legacy requires determined action and a deep commitment to transforming our society from a crisis ridden present into something all South Africans can be truly proud of.
Nelson MandelaRead
Conservatives define themselves in terms of what they oppose.
George WillRead