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[It is a] killing field of the like of which I thought we would never see in Europe again [and is] not worthy of Europe, not worthy of the west and not worthy of the United States... This is happening in the heart of Europe and we have not done more to stop it. It is in Europe's sphere of influence. It should be in Europe's sphere of conscience... We are little more than an accomplice to massacre.

Margaret Thatcher#56

PoliticsWarEuropeMoralityViolence

About this quote

What does it mean?
She condemns the violence in Europe as a killing field and accuses the West of complicity.
In plain terms
She says Europe's violence is shameful and the West is complicit.
What can you take from it?
Inaction in face of nearby atrocities makes one an accomplice.

Where it applies

  • international crisis
  • human rights
  • foreign policy

Putting it to work

  • advocate for intervention
  • criticize inaction

Questions to consider

  • When is intervention required?
  • What is the West's duty?

Another view

Intervention carries risks and may escalate conflict.

More from Margaret Thatcher

  1. We could have stopped this, we could still do so... But for the most part, we in the west have actually given comfort to the aggressor.

    Permalink to quote #55
  2. Douglas, Douglas, you would make Neville Chamberlain look like a warmonger.

    Permalink to quote #57
  3. The trouble with you John, is that your spine does not reach your brain.

    Permalink to quote #54

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