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The chief reason warfare is still with us is neither a…

“The chief reason warfare is still with us is neither a secret death-wish of the human species, nor an irrepressible instinct of aggression, nor, finally and more plausibly, the serious economic and social dangers inherent in disarmament, but the simple fact that no substitute for this final…” quote by Hannah Arendt
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“The chief reason warfare is still with us is neither a secret death-wish of the human species, nor an irrepressible instinct of aggression, nor, finally and more plausibly, the serious economic and social dangers inherent in disarmament, but the simple fact that no substitute for this final arbiter in international affairs has yet appeared on the political scene.”

Hannah Arendt

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

War persists because no effective global authority replaces it.

In simple terms: War continues without global governance.

Key Takeaway

Support strong international institutions.

Themes

politics war global governance security

Mood

cautious hopeful

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • UN reform
  • peace negotiations
  • defence policy

Key Concepts

power balance deterrence disarmament

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mechanisms can enforce global peace?
  • How can nations trust each other?
A Different Perspective

International politics are complex and may resist change.

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