Today's headlines and history's judgment are rarely the same.
Condoleezza RiceRead
Great powers can't get tired, because the international order is not self-governing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Great powers have a responsibility to maintain order in the world, and cannot afford to become weary in their duties.
This quote by Condoleezza Rice emphasizes the significance of great powers in global governance. It suggests that the international system requires active participation and vigilance from influential nations, as it is not capable of maintaining itself. The responsibility of these nations is perpetual; if they tire or withdraw from their roles, the order that underpins international relations may falter, leading to chaos and instability.
Themes
Great PowersInternational OrderResponsibilityGovernanceGlobal Politics
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about international relations, one might say, 'As Condoleezza Rice noted, great powers can't get tired, because the international order is not self-governing.'
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Does anybody think these people were just sitting around drinking tea?
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