The argument that someone is a bad man is an inadequate argument for war and certainly an inadequate and unacceptable argument for regime change.
Interpretation
Labeling someone as a 'bad man' does not justify war or changing their regime.
In this quote, John Major argues that the moral judgment of an individual as a 'bad man' is insufficient grounds for initiating warfare or attempting to alter the governmental structure of a country. Such a perspective calls for a more nuanced understanding of international relations and emphasizes the dangers of oversimplification in justifying military interventions.
In practice
In a debate on foreign policy, one could use this quote to argue against military intervention.
The sight of allegedly sophisticated politicians parroting complete tripe trivialises and demeans government and it has to be stopped. It's played a significant part in public disillusionment with politics and has led to the absurd situation where more people vote for 'Strictly Come Dancing' than voted in the general election.
I don't think nations can stand aside for ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Whether you agree with me or disagree with me; like me or loathe me, don't bind my hands when I am negotiating on behalf of the British nation.
Love of the republic in a democracy, is a love of the democracy; love of the democracy is that of equality. Love of the democracy is likewise that of frugality.
The wounds of calumny, the reproaches of the proud, the venom of the bigoted, the treachery of the false, and the weakness of the true, we have known in our measure; and therein have had communion with our Lord Jesus.
The faintest gleam of their lost memories glimmered for the briefest moment in their hearts.
In your own bosom you bear your heaven and earth, _x000D_ And all you behold, though it appears without, _x000D_ It is within, in your imagination, _x000D_ Of which this world of mortality is but a shadow.
Religions are like fireflies. They require darkness in order to shine.
Food prices are often kept artificially high. The result is that the Millennium Development Goals set out by the United Nations at the start of the new millennium are not being reached. Fine words have not yet been turned into deeds.
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