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Throughout history civilian populations and political rulers have talked of peace. We have never been free of war. The soldier, whose profession is war, understands that peace must be enforced by superior military might. The certainty of defeat is the only effective deterrent we can use to maintain peace. Furthermore, we can be strong without being aggressive.

Barry Goldwater#35

MilitaryDefenseDeterrencePeaceSecurity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Goldwater claims peace requires military strength and the certainty of defeat to deter war.
In plain terms
Peace needs military power to stop wars from happening.
What can you take from it?
Military strength is necessary to maintain peace.

Where it applies

  • foreign policy
  • defense strategy

Putting it to work

  • defense spending
  • international relations

Questions to consider

  • Can force keep peace?
  • Is strength the only deterrent?

Another view

Reliance on military power does not guarantee peace.

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