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Wars are fought for oil wells and coaling stations; for…

“Wars are fought for oil wells and coaling stations; for control of the Dardanelles or the Suez Canal; for colonial pickings to buy cheap in and conquered markets to sell dear in. War is capitalism with the gloves off.” quote by Tom Stoppard
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“Wars are fought for oil wells and coaling stations; for control of the Dardanelles or the Suez Canal; for colonial pickings to buy cheap in and conquered markets to sell dear in. War is capitalism with the gloves off.”

Tom Stoppard

About This Quote

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

War is capitalism unmasked, driven by resource control and profit motives.

In simple terms: War equals raw capitalism.

Key Takeaway

Critique economic motives behind conflict.

Themes

war capitalism resource competition colonialism

Mood

critical analytical

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • oil negotiations
  • colonial trade
  • military interventions

Key Concepts

political economy imperialism exploitation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does profit drive modern conflicts?
  • Are there non‑economic reasons for war?
A Different Perspective

Oversimplifies complex geopolitical causes.

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