The thing Mr Zilliacus leaves out of account is that wars have results, irrespective of the motives of those who precipitate them. No one can question the dirtiness of international politics from 1870 onwards: it does not follow that it would have been a good thing to allow the German army to rule Europe.
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
Putting it to work
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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