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About this quote

What does it mean?
Free nations solve conflicts peacefully and fight terror, while dictatorships choose aggression and support terror.
In plain terms
Free governments seek peace and fight terror; dictatorships choose aggression.
What can you take from it?
Support free nations that prioritize peace over aggression.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • counterterrorism

Putting it to work

  • promote democracy
  • support free press

Questions to consider

  • What defines a free nation?
  • Can peace coexist with strength?

Another view

Democracy does not guarantee peace instantly.

More from George W. Bush

  1. For decades, the circle of liberty and security and development has been expanding in our world. This progress has brought unity to Europe, self-government to …

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  2. Every nation that wants peace will share the benefits of a freer world. And every nation that seeks peace has an obligation to help build that world.

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  3. We did not charge hundreds of miles into the heart of Iraq and pay a bitter cost of casualties and liberate 25 million people only to retreat before a band of …

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