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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shaking hands does not solve deep systemic contradictions between opposing groups.
In plain terms
Friendship gestures don't fix deep political problems.
What can you take from it?
Symbolic gestures cannot resolve fundamental ideological conflicts.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • negotiations

Putting it to work

  • evaluating diplomatic efforts
  • assessing political unity

Questions to consider

  • Can gestures change deep systems?
  • What actually resolves political conflicts?

Another view

It underestimates the power of symbolic peace-making.

More from Nikita Khrushchev

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  2. I once said, 'We will bury you,' and I got into trouble with it. Of course we will not bury you with a shovel. Your own working class will bury you.

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  3. Bombs do not choose. They will hit everything. -BOOM!-

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