I believe that the entire effort of modern society should be concentrated on the endeavor to outlaw war as a method of the solution of problems between nations.
Douglas MacarthurRead
There are some who, for varying reasons, would appease Red China. They are blind to history's clear lesson, for history teaches with unmistakable emphasis that appeasement but begets new and bloodier war. It points to no single instance where this end has justified that means, where appeasement has led to more than a sham peace. Like blackmail, it lays the basis for new and successively greater demands until, as in blackmail, violence becomes the only other alternative.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns against appeasing aggressors, suggesting that such actions only lead to greater conflict.
Douglas MacArthur emphasizes the dangers of appeasement as a political strategy, arguing that history demonstrates this approach leads to more severe conflicts rather than peace. He compares appeasement to blackmail, highlighting that it encourages aggressors to make increasingly demanding and violent demands, indicating that ultimately, the only resolution may lead to confrontation rather than compromise.
Themes
AppeasementConflictWarPoliticsViolence
In practice
Example use cases
During a political debate, emphasizing the dangers of appeasement can illustrate a candidate’s stance on foreign affairs.
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