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.
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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.
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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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