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About this quote

What does it mean?
A warning that too much international nation-building will cause future problems.
In plain terms
Sending troops everywhere to build nations will lead to trouble.
What can you take from it?
Overextending military resources abroad is risky.

Where it applies

  • policy discussions
  • strategic planning

Putting it to work

  • limit foreign intervention
  • focus on defense

Questions to consider

  • When is intervention justified?
  • What are the limits of power?

Another view

It does not define what constitutes acceptable intervention.

More from George W. Bush

  1. The most important thing is for us to find Osama bin Laden. It is our number one priority and we will not rest until we find him.

    Permalink to quote #370
  2. We will export death and violence to the four corners of the earth in defense of our great nation.

    Permalink to quote #372
  3. I don't know where he [Osama Bin Laden] is. I have no idea and I really don't care.

    Permalink to quote #369

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