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About this quote

What does it mean?
War is advised only as a last resort after all peaceful options are exhausted.
In plain terms
Only start war if all peaceful methods have failed.
What can you take from it?
Peaceful resolution should always be prioritized over conflict.

Where it applies

  • international relations
  • conflict resolution
  • policy making

Putting it to work

  • seeking dialogue
  • negotiating treaties
  • preventing conflicts

Questions to consider

  • When is war justified?
  • How do we know all peace agencies failed?

Another view

Some threats may require preemptive action before all agencies fail.

More from William McKinley

  1. Unlike any other nation, here the people rule, and their will is the supreme law.

    Permalink to quote #17
  2. We need Hawaii just as much and a good deal more than we did California. It is manifest destiny.

    Permalink to quote #19
  3. That's all a man can hope for during his lifetime - to set an example - and when he is dead, to be an inspiration for history.

    Permalink to quote #16

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