The essence of foreign policy, is deciding which son of a…
““The essence of foreign policy, is deciding which son of a bitch to support -in 1941, Hitler or Stalin; in 1972, Brezhnev or Mao; in 1979, Somoza or Ortega. One has to choose. A blanket anti-son of a bitch policy, like a blanket anti-ethnic cleansing policy, is soothing, satisfying and empty. It is not a policy at all but righteous self-delusion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Foreign policy is reduced to choosing between hostile leaders, a simplistic and self‑deluding approach.
In simple terms: Policy is choosing between bad leaders.
Key Takeaway
Seek nuanced foreign strategies.
Themes
foreign policy
choice
morality
delusion
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- diplomacy
- strategic analysis
- global governance
Key Concepts
realpolitik
ethical decision‑making
Questions to Reflect On
- What criteria should guide foreign policy?
- How avoid avoid moral absolutism?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplification ignores complex realities.