Western governments have generally tried to contain genocide by appeasing its architects. But the sad record of the last century shows that the walls the United States tries to build around genocidal societies almost inevitably shatter.
Interpretation
Appeasing those who commit atrocities often leads to failure in preventing further violence.
Samantha Power highlights the ineffectiveness of appeasement policies toward regimes that commit genocide. Despite efforts to contain such regimes, history demonstrates that these attempts often crumble, leading to further violence and humanitarian crises. The quote serves as a cautionary reminder that stronger actions are necessary to address and prevent atrocities, rather than merely attempting to placate their perpetrators.
In practice
During a discussion on international relations, one might quote Power to emphasize the importance of addressing human rights violations seriously.
Sanctions did indeed help to bring Iran to the negotiating table. But sanctions did not stop the advance of Iran's nuclear program. Negotiations have done that, and it is in our interest not to deny ourselves the chance to achieve a long-term, comprehensive solution that would deny Iran a nuclear weapon.
Zimbabweans are severely malnourished, and deaths from starvation occur even in the cities. The country has not yet suffered nationwide famine only because international donors have stepped in.
No more than a surgeon can operate while tweeting can you reach your potential with one ear in, one ear out. You actually have to reacquaint yourself with concentration. We all do.
When dictators feel their support slipping among adults, it is not unusual for them to alter school textbooks in the hope of enlisting impressionable youths in their cause.
Throughout history, when societies face tough economic times, we have seen democratic reforms deferred, decreased trust in government, persecution of minority groups, and a general shrinking of the democratic space.
All advocacy is, at its core, an exercise in empathy.
Ask no questions, and you'll be told no lies.
What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?
I must congratulate myself, in passing, for never having lost the ability to examine my conscience, never having lost the gift of finding myself wanting & defective. Why fear the criticism of others when you, yourself, are first out of the critical gate? If self-denigration is the race I am the winner, even before the starting gun. Collect the bets.
The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven't yet come to the end of themselves. We're still trying to give orders, and interfering with God's work within us.
There is something that is much more scarce, something finer far, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.
Have patience with the quarrelsomeness of the stupid. It is not easy to comprehend that one does not comprehend.
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