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The growth of entrepreneurial classes throughout the world is an asset in the promotion of human rights and individual liberty, and it should be understood and used as such. Yet peace is the first and most important condition for continued prosperity and freedom. America's military power must be secure because the United States is the only guarantor of global peace and stability. The current neglect of America's armed forces threatens its ability to maintain peace.

Condoleezza Rice#2

DefensePeaceEconomyFreedom

About this quote

What does it mean?
Rice argues that entrepreneurs promote liberty but peace is essential for prosperity, requiring secure U.S. military power.
In plain terms
Business helps freedom, but peace and strong military power are needed to keep it.
What can you take from it?
Security underpins economic and political freedom.

Where it applies

  • economic policy
  • national defense
  • global relations

Putting it to work

  • supporting business growth
  • maintaining defense budgets

Questions to consider

  • Can peace exist without military guarantees?
  • How does entrepreneurship aid human rights?

Another view

Equating one nation's military with global stability is contentious.

More from Condoleezza Rice

  1. People may oppose you, but when they realize you can hurt them, they'll join your side.

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  2. But in terms of Saddam Hussein being there, let's remember that his country is divided, in effect. He does not control the northern part of his country. We are…

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  3. If you have any doubt about the degree with which this is self-defense, just look at those pictures from September 11th.

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