Skip to content

Since Franklin Roosevelt's leadership in setting up the…

“Since Franklin Roosevelt's leadership in setting up the United Nations and the Nuremberg trials, the U.S. has promoted universal legal norms and the institutions to enforce them while seeking, by hook or by crook, to exempt American citizens, especially soldiers, from their actual application.” quote by Michael Ignatieff
Download Open image
“Since Franklin Roosevelt's leadership in setting up the United Nations and the Nuremberg trials, the U.S. has promoted universal legal norms and the institutions to enforce them while seeking, by hook or by crook, to exempt American citizens, especially soldiers, from their actual application.”

Michael Ignatieff

About This Quote

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

The U.S. promotes global legal standards while often exempting its own citizens, especially soldiers, from those rules.

In simple terms: U.S. supports international law but applies it selectively.

Key Takeaway

Critically assess national adherence to universal norms.

Themes

law international relations hypocrisy

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • policy analysis
  • human rights advocacy
  • military conduct
  • government accountability

Key Concepts

legal universalism national security ethical double standards

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do nations exempt their own from international law?
  • What are the consequences of such exemptions?
A Different Perspective

Complex geopolitical motives may complicate simple judgments.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Michael Ignatieff

Explore all 138 Michael Ignatieff quotes

More Actual quotes

Browse all 306 Actual quotes