It would be, in fact, very ominous if Iraq were to be able to get weapon-usable material, hydro-plutonium or highly enriched uranium from abroad.
Mohamed ElbaradeiRead
I still believe that any country understands that if they use nuclear weapons, they will be wiped out of existence. They could be irrational in many ways, but I don't think they're irrational to the point that they're ready to annihilate their own country.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a belief that rationality prevails even in the face of potential nuclear conflict, as countries will avoid self-destruction.
In this quote, Mohamed ElBaradei asserts that despite the irrationalities exhibited by nations, the fundamental understanding of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare keeps countries from engaging in self-destructive behavior. He believes that the threat of annihilation acts as a deterrent against the use of nuclear weapons, as nations recognize that such an act would lead to their own destruction. This perspective highlights a certain level of rationality in global politics, emphasizing the instinct for survival over aggressive tendencies.
Themes
NuclearRationalitySurvivalDestructionPolitics
In practice
Example use cases
During a debate on international relations, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding the consequences of warfare.
More from Mohamed Elbaradei
All quotes →Countries that perceive themselves to be vulnerable can be expected to try to redress that vulnerability - and in some cases, they will pursue clandestine weapons programs.
Mohamed ElbaradeiRead
Egypt needs to catch up with the rest of the world. We need to be free, democratic, and - society where people have the right to live in freedom and dignity.
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I couldn't have imagined that I would live long enough to see Egypt emancipated from decades of repression.
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Psychology is as important as substance. If you treat people with respect, they will go out of their way to accommodate you. If you treat them in a patronizing way, they will go out of their way to make your life difficult.
Mohamed ElbaradeiRead
The gravest threat faced by the world is of an extremist group getting hold of nuclear weapons or materials.
Mohamed ElbaradeiRead
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