Being broken Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“The experience of treaties being broken with impunity provide an afflicting lesson to mankind how little dependence is to be placed on treaties which have no other sanction than the obligations of good faith; and which oppose general considerations of peace and justice to the impulse of any immediate interest and passion.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to James Madison, 1804
Treaties lacking enforcement are unreliable; peace and justice must outweigh short‑term passions.
In simple terms: Treaties need enforcement; otherwise they’re ignored.
Key Takeaway
Seek stronger mechanisms to uphold agreements.
Themes
law
peace
justice
politics
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- diplomacy
- trade negotiations
- conflict prevention
- policy making
Key Concepts
international law
realpolitik
good faith
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure treaties are respected?
- What role should international institutions play?
A Different Perspective
Enforcement depends on power dynamics; not all parties have equal leverage.
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
