Skip to content
quotesby

There are some who, for varying reasons, would appease Red China. They are blind to history's clear lesson, for history teaches with unmistakable emphasis that appeasement but begets new and bloodier war. It points to no single instance where this end has justified that means, where appeasement has led to more than a sham peace. Like blackmail, it lays the basis for new and successively greater demands until, as in blackmail, violence becomes the only other alternative.

Douglas MacArthur#28

WarPeaceHistoryDiplomacyForeign policy

About this quote

What does it mean?
Appeasement of aggressive nations like Red China leads to more war, not peace. History shows it only creates bigger demands until violence is inevitable.
In plain terms
Giving in to aggressors only makes them demand more and eventually causes war.
What can you take from it?
Appeasement fails to secure lasting peace and invites further conflict.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • diplomatic negotiations
  • policy making

Putting it to work

  • evaluate historical precedents
  • assess adversary demands
  • prioritize firm stance

Questions to consider

  • Is appeasement ever a viable short-term strategy?
  • How do we distinguish negotiation from capitulation?

Another view

Some argue temporary appeasement can buy time for preparation.

More from Douglas MacArthur

  1. War's very object is victory, not prolonged indecision. In war there is no substitute for victory.

    Permalink to quote #27
  2. The tragedy of Korea is further heightened by the fact that its military action is confined to its territorial limits. It condemns that nation, which it is our…

    Permalink to quote #29
  3. We could hold in Korea by constant maneuver and in an approximate area where our supply line advantages were in balance with the supply line disadvantages of t…

    Permalink to quote #26

Related quotes

  1. India wants to avoid a war at all costs but it is not a one-sided affair, you cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

    Indira GandhiIndira Gandhi quote #3
  2. The state of international relations in the sixteenth century is hardly conceivable at this day. The Puritans of England and the Huguenots of France regarded S…

    Francis ParkmanFrancis Parkman quote #15
  3. Sometimes, and in particular dealing with a dictator, the only chance of peace is a readiness for war.

    Tony BlairTony Blair quote #29