In short, you can't let the deadline define the mission. The mission has to define the duration.
Richard HolbrookeRead
United Nations peacekeepers are going all over the world spreading AIDS even while they're trying to bring peace. What a supreme irony.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the irony of unintended consequences, where peacekeeping efforts are paradoxically associated with spreading harm.
Richard Holbrooke's quote emphasizes the stark irony where those tasked with bringing peace and stability, such as United Nations peacekeepers, may inadvertently contribute to a significant social issue, like the spread of AIDS. This contradiction underlines the complexities of global interventions, revealing how noble intentions can sometimes lead to unforeseen negative outcomes.
Themes
IronyPeacekeepingAidsUnited NationsConsequences
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about international policy, one might reference Holbrooke's quote to illustrate the unexpected outcomes of humanitarian efforts.
More from Richard Holbrooke
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You have to test your hypothesis against other theories. Certainty in the face of complex situations is very dangerous.
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World War I was not inevitable, as many historians say. It could have been avoided, and it was a diplomatically botched negotiation.
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A world without the United Nations or with a paralyzed United Nations would be far more costly to all of us and far more dangerous to peace and stability.
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