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We have to learn to think in a new way. We have to learn to ask ourselves, not what steps can be taken to give military victory to whatever group we prefer, for there no longer are such steps; the question we have to ask ourselves is: what steps can be taken to prevent a military contest of which the issue must be disastrous to all parties?

Bertrand Russell#181

PoliticsWarPeaceSecurityPreventionStrategy

About this quote

What does it mean?
We must rethink strategies, not to win wars, but to prevent any disastrous military conflict.
In plain terms
Shift focus from winning wars to preventing any war.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize conflict prevention over military victory.

Where it applies

  • diplomacy
  • defense policy

Putting it to work

  • conflict‑resolution training
  • non‑military security measures

Questions to consider

  • What policies can reduce war incentives?
  • How can societies prepare for non‑military security?

Another view

Some actors may still pursue war for strategic or economic reasons.

More from Bertrand Russell

  1. The world is full of conflicts; and, overshadowing all minor conflicts, the titanic struggle between Communism and anti-Communism. Almost everybody who is poli…

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  2. The best authorities are unanimous in saying that a war with H-bombs might possibly put an end to the human race. It is feared that if many H-bombs are used th…

    Permalink to quote #182
  3. We are speaking on this occasion, not as members of this or that nation, continent, or creed, but as human beings, members of the species Man, whose continued …

    Permalink to quote #179

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