The Dell Theory of Conflict Prevention argues that no two countries that are both part of the same global supply chain will ever fight a war as long as they are each part of that supply chain.
Thomas FriedmanRead
The hidden hand of the market will never work without a hidden fist -- McDonald's cannot flourish without McDonnell Douglas, the builder of the F-15. And the hidden fist that keeps the world safe for Silicon Valley's technologies is called the United States Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Market success is often supported by military power and infrastructure.
This quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of commerce and military power, suggesting that capitalism thrives not just on market forces but also on the protection offered by state institutions, particularly the military. Friedman illustrates how companies like McDonald's and Silicon Valley's tech giants rely on the stability and security that military might provides, arguing that the 'hidden hand' of the market is supported by a 'hidden fist' of defense and protection.
Themes
EconomicsMilitaryCapitalismMarketTechnology
In practice
Example use cases
During a business conference discussing the impact of government on private sector growth, this quote could highlight the military's role in creating a favorable environment for corporations.
More from Thomas Friedman
All quotes βWhen it comes to dealing with the world's climate and energy challenges, I have a simple rule: change America, change the world.
Thomas FriedmanRead
Do you know what my favorite renewable fuel is? An ecosystem for innovation.
Thomas FriedmanRead
If you don't visit the bad neighborhoods, the bad neighborhoods are going to visit you.
Thomas FriedmanRead
Inspiring conduct has so much more of an impact than coercing it.
Thomas FriedmanRead
The hidden hand of the market will never work without a hidden fist.
Thomas FriedmanRead
Similar quotes
The Middle East has the highest unemployment percentage of any region in the world we have the largest youth cohort of history coming into the market place that frustration does translate into the political sphere when people are hungry and without jobs.
Abdullah Ii Of JordanRead
We need to revise our economic thinking to give full value to our natural resources. This revised economics will stabilize both the theory and the practice of free-market capitalism. It will provide business and public policy with a powerful new tool for economic development, profitability, and the promotion of the public good.
Paul HawkenRead
The consumer, so it is said, is the king each is a voter who uses his money as votes to get the things done that he wants done.
Paul SamuelsonRead
I look under the skin of countries' economies, and I help them make better decisions and be stronger, to prosper and create employment.
Christine LagardeRead
It is better that a man should tyrannize over his bank balance than over his fellow-citizens.
John Maynard KeynesRead
Let us never forget this fundamental truth: the State has no source of money other than money which people earn themselves. If the State wishes to spend more it can do so only by borrowing your savings or by taxing you more. It is no good thinking that someone else will pay - that 'someone else' is you. There is no such thing as public money; there is only taxpayers' money.
Margaret ThatcherRead