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About this quote

What does it mean?
Russian actions are driven by national interest.
In plain terms
Russia is hard to understand but its interests are key.
What can you take from it?
Look beyond surface behavior to find core interests.

Where it applies

  • diplomacy
  • international relations
  • analysis

Putting it to work

  • study interests
  • assess motives
  • plan diplomacy

Questions to consider

  • What drives nations?
  • How do you analyze power?

Another view

National interest does not explain all leadership decisions.

More from Winston Churchill

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  3. Britain and France had to choose between war and dishonour. They chose dishonour. They will have war.

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