It's all very well for us to sit here in the west with our…
“It's all very well for us to sit here in the west with our high incomes and cushy lives, and say it's immoral to violate the sovereignty of another state. But if the effect of that is to bring people in that country economic and political freedom, to raise their standard of living, to increase their life expectancy, then don't rule it out.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Argues that intervening in another country's affairs can be justified if it leads to greater prosperity and health for its people.
In simple terms: Intervention may be moral if it improves lives and freedoms.
Key Takeaway
Consider outcomes, not just intentions, when evaluating foreign policy.
Themes
ethics
foreign policy
humanitarianism
economic development
political freedom
Mood
thoughtful
critical
balanced
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- humanitarian aid
- economic sanctions
- development projects
- international law
Key Concepts
realism
liberalism
development economics
Questions to Reflect On
- What metrics should guide decisions to intervene?
- How to ensure benefits outweigh costs?
A Different Perspective
Intervention can cause unintended harm and resentment.