We have no managed to acquire bases all over the…
““We have no managed to acquire bases all over the world—islands distant as the Australian Archipelago which President Roosevelt seized in 1938 without so much as a by-your-leave from Congress. There is no part of the world where trouble can break out where we do not have bases of some sort of which, if we wish to use the pretension, we cannot claim our interests are menaced. Thus menaced there must remain when the war is over continuing argument in the hands of the imperialists for a vast naval establishment and a huge army ready to attack anywhere or to resist an attack from all the enemies we shall be obliged to have. Because always the most powerful argument for a huge army maintained for economic reasons is that we have enemies. We must have enemies, They will become and economic necessity for us.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that a permanent global military presence creates perpetual enemies, justifying endless war and imperialism.
In simple terms: Bases everywhere manufacture threats to sustain power.
Key Takeaway
Militarism fuels its own justification.
Themes
imperialism
military
politics
war
economics
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political commentary
historical analysis
When to use this quote
- debates on foreign bases
- policy discussions on defense spending
- analysis of geopolitical strategy
Key Concepts
security dilemma
statecraft
Practical Applications
- reassess overseas base necessity
- promote diplomatic conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a nation be secure without overseas bases?
- What alternatives exist to deter aggression?
A Different Perspective
The claim overlooks legitimate security concerns that can arise from strategic positioning.