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States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States. In any of these cases, the price of indifference would be catastrophic.

George W. Bush#85

Foreign policyTerrorismGeopoliticsNational security

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bush labels certain regimes and their allies as an axis of evil threatening global peace through WMD proliferation and terrorism. He warns that indifference to this threat would lead to catastrophic outcomes.
In plain terms
Certain regimes are dangerous because they seek weapons and support terrorists, so ignoring them could cause disaster.
What can you take from it?
Ignoring dangerous regimes that seek weapons of mass destruction can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Where it applies

  • policy debates
  • speeches
  • national security discussions

Putting it to work

  • analyze threat levels
  • justify military action
  • mobilize public support

Questions to consider

  • How should nations respond to emerging threats?
  • What defines a grave and growing danger?

Another view

The term axis of evil is broad and conflates different regimes with varying threats.

More from George W. Bush

  1. I've been to war. I've raised twins. If I had a choice, I'd rather go to war.

    Permalink to quote #84

  2. For too long our culture has said, 'If it feels good, do it.' Now America is embracing a new ethic and a new creed: 'Let's roll'.

    Permalink to quote #86

  3. I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them.

    Permalink to quote #83

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