QuoteProject
There is no more dangerous thing for a democracy than a foreign policy based on presidential preventive war.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Preventive war in foreign policy can jeopardize democracy.

Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. warns that a democracy can be endangered when its foreign policy relies on the concept of preventive war, which is the striking pre-emptively against perceived threats. This approach can lead to reckless decisions that undermine democratic values and the principles of dialogue and diplomacy.

Themes

DemocracyForeign PolicyPreventive WarPoliticsDanger

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about war ethics, one might reference Schlesinger's warning about preventive wars to emphasize the need for diplomatic solutions.

More from Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.

Anti-intellectualism has long been the anti-Semitism of the businessman.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.Read
Science and technology revolutionize our lives, but memory, tradition and myth frame our response.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.Read
The genius of impeachment lay in the fact that it could punish the man without punishing the office.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.Read
Clarity in language depends on clarity in thought.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.Read
Man generally is entangled in insoluble problems; history is consequently a tragedy in which we are all involved, whose keynote is anxiety and frustration, not progress and fulfilment.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.Read
In view of the tide of religiosity engulfing a once secular republic it is refreshing to be reminded by Freethinkers that free thought and skepticism are robustly in the American tradition. After all the Founding Fathers began by omitting God from the American Constitution.
Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr.Read

Similar quotes

Face the truth squarely. In politics that is always the best and the only correct attitude.
Vladimir LeninRead
Elections exist for the sake of the House of Commons and not the House of Commons for the sake of elections.
Winston ChurchillRead
Trying to run Congress without human relationships is like trying to run a car without motor oil. Should we be surprised when the whole thing freezes up?
Jonathan HaidtRead
Politics is who gets what, when, how.
Harold LasswellRead
No measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance, or to the general sentiment and wish of the Nation than to establish a systematic and effectual arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt.
George WashingtonRead
Extremism can flourish only in an environment where basic governmental social responsibility for the welfare of the people is neglected. Political dictatorship and social hopelessness create the desperation that fuels religious extremism.
Benazir BhuttoRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.