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Given the goals of rogue states and terrorists, the United States can no longer solely rely on a reactive posture as we have in the past. The inability to deter a potential attacker, the immediacy of today's threats, and the magnitude of potential harm that could be caused by our adversaries' choice of weapons, do not permit that option.We cannot let our enemies strike first.

George W. Bush#91

WarPolicySecurityStrategyDefenseSafetyThreat

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker argues that new threats require proactive action rather than reactive defense.
In plain terms
We must act first because threats are too dangerous to wait on.
What can you take from it?
Proactive defense is needed against modern threats.

Where it applies

  • policy speeches
  • security briefings
  • strategic planning

Putting it to work

  • justifying strikes
  • updating doctrine
  • warning citizens

Questions to consider

  • Is waiting ever safe?
  • How do we define a threat?

Another view

Preemptive action can lead to unjustified conflict.

More from George W. Bush

  1. This foreign policy stuff is a little frustrating.

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  2. I just want you to know that, when we talk about war, we're really talking about peace.

    Permalink to quote #92
  3. And so, in my State of the- my State of the Union- or state- my speech to the nation, whatever you want to call it, speech to the nation- I asked Americans to …

    Permalink to quote #89

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