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About this quote

What does it mean?
Churchill presents a dilemma between using overwhelming force or conceding to demands regarding Irish unrest.
In plain terms
You can either crush them with force or give them what they want but both options are hard.
What can you take from it?
Political conflicts often present choices between extreme force and compromise.

Where it applies

  • crisis management
  • policy making
  • negotiation

Putting it to work

  • mediation
  • policy analysis
  • historical research

Questions to consider

  • What other options exist in conflict?
  • When is compromise the only path?

Another view

The binary choice may ignore other viable middle paths.

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