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About this quote

What does it mean?
Wars have inevitable results regardless of motive; bad politics don't justify letting a worse power rule.
In plain terms
Bad reasons for war don't change the outcome or justify a worse ruler.
What can you take from it?
Consequences matter more than intentions in conflict.

Where it applies

  • evaluating wars
  • historical analysis
  • international relations

Putting it to work

  • assessing wartime decisions
  • weighing lesser evils

Questions to consider

  • Does motive matter if the result is bad?
  • How do we choose between bad options?

Another view

This reasoning can justify supporting authoritarian regimes as lesser evils.

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