Loyalty means nothing unless it has at its heart the absolute principle of self-sacrifice.
Woodrow WilsonRead
Since trade ignores national boundaries and the manufacturer insists on having the world as a market, the flag of his nation must follow him, and the doors of the nations which are closed against him must be battered down. Concessions obtained by financiers must be safeguarded by ministers of state, even if the sovereignty of unwilling nations be outraged in the process. Colonies must be obtained or planted, in order that no useful corner of the world may be overlooked or left unused.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the global nature of trade and the necessity for nations to engage in it, even at the expense of sovereignty.
Woodrow Wilson articulates the aggressive expansion of trade as a powerful force that transcends national boundaries. He argues that for manufacturers to thrive in a global market, nations must protect their interests, often resorting to force if necessary to ensure that markets are open and free for trade. This perspective reflects a utilitarian view of international relations, where economic benefits are prioritized over national sovereignty, leading to the establishment of colonies and exploitation of resources for the benefit of trade.
Themes
TradeGlobalizationSovereigntyEconomicsColonialism
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about globalization, this quote can be cited to illustrate the tension between trade and national sovereignty.
More from Woodrow Wilson
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Once lead this people into war, and they'll forget there ever was such a thing as tolerance. To fight, you must be brutal and ruthless, and the spirit of ruthless brutality will enter into the very fiber of our national life, infecting Congress, the courts, the policeman on the beat, the man in the street.
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The only use of an obstacle is to be overcome. All that an obstacle does with brave men is, not to frighten them, but to challenge them.
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