Behinds Quote by A. J. P. Taylor
“We are apt to say that a foreign policy is successful only when the country, or at any rate the governing class, is united behind it. In reality, every line of policy is repudiated by a section, often by an influential section, of the country concerned. A foreign minister who waited until everyone agreed with him would have no foreign policy at all.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Origins of the Second World War, 1961
Foreign policy succeeds only with broad elite support, but total consensus is impossible, so leaders must act despite dissent.
In simple terms: Policy needs support but not unanimity.
Key Takeaway
Balance consensus with decisive action.
Themes
politics
foreign policy
leadership
consensus
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
historical
strategic
When to use this quote
- government negotiations
- international crises
- legislative debates
- public opinion
Key Concepts
Realpolitik
governance
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- When should leaders act without full agreement?
- How to manage dissenting factions?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on unity can stifle necessary debate and innovation.
![“If there had been a strong democratic sentiment in Germany, Hitler would never have come to power . [Germans] deserved what they got when they went round crying for a hero.” quote by A. J. P. Taylor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/858/a-j-p-taylor-14528_cry_if-there-had-been-a-strong-democratic-se_512170.jpg)
