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International affairs is very much run like the mafia. The godfather does not accept disobedience, even from a small storekeeper who doesn't pay his protection money. You have to have obedience; otherwise, the idea can spread that you don't have to listen to the orders, and it can spread to important places.
Noam Chomsky
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Interpretation

What this quote means

International relations often require strict adherence to authority, similar to organized crime dynamics.

In this quote, Noam Chomsky likens the way international affairs are conducted to the operations of a mafia. He suggests that like a godfather who demands obedience to maintain order and control, nations and leaders in global politics seek compliance from others to prevent dissent and chaos. The analogy highlights the importance of authority and the consequences of failing to adhere to established power structures.

Themes

International AffairsObedienceAuthorityPoliticsPowerControl

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a discussion about the dynamics of international politics.

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