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After flinging away the United Nations Organization, after trampling its charters, NATO is ruling the world and for the next century we will have an ancient law - those with power will unconditionally right... Before the eyes of humanity a beautiful European country is being destroyed, while civilized governments are applauding. Meanwhile, despaired people, leaving bomb shelters, form human shields to protect Danube bridges... This is the world we are offered to live in from now on.

Alexander Solzhenitsyn#75

PowerPoliticsWarGeopoliticsInternational lawInternational relations

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author criticizes NATO's dominance and the destruction of a European nation while global powers remain indifferent. He warns that might makes right in the new world order.
In plain terms
Powerful nations ignore international law and destroy countries while the world watches without stopping it.
What can you take from it?
International institutions can fail to protect weaker nations from powerful military alliances.

Where it applies

  • commentary on military intervention
  • analysis of UN relevance
  • critique of global governance

Putting it to work

  • study of post cold war conflicts
  • discussion on humanitarian intervention

Questions to consider

  • How do international organizations maintain relevance when power dynamics shift?
  • What responsibilities do global powers have to protect smaller nations?

Another view

The quote presents a specific geopolitical view that may not reflect all international dynamics or historical contexts.

More from Alexander Solzhenitsyn

  1. Don't believe them, don't fear them, don't ask anything of them.

    Permalink to quote #74
  2. When you come to think of it, a blizzard is no use to anybody.

    Permalink to quote #73
  3. We have arrived at an intellectual chaos.

    Permalink to quote #72

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