Within ten years we shall have whatever is necessary to kill 80 million Russians. Well I reckon one does not light-heartly attack people who are able to kill 80 million Russians, even if one can kill 800 million French, that is if there were 800 million French.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Arguing that mutual destruction capability deters aggression regardless of population size.
- In plain terms
- You cannot lightly attack those who can destroy you.
- What can you take from it?
- Deterrence relies on retaliation capacity.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is deterrence stable?
- What about ethical limits?
Another view
It ignores human cost and ethics.
More from Charles de Gaulle
In the name of policy, change your friends.
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