Avert Quote by Bernard Brodie
“Thus far the chief purpose of our military establishment has been to win wars. From now on its chief purpose must be to avert them. It can have almost no other useful purpose.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Absolute Weapon, 1946
Military should shift from winning wars to preventing them, as war is no longer useful.
In simple terms: Military purpose: prevent wars, not fight them.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for peace‑focused defense.
Themes
military strategy
peace
policy
ethics
deterrence
Mood
analytical
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- defense budgeting
- diplomacy
- conflict prevention
- public policy
Key Concepts
strategic studies
international relations
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- What policies can reduce reliance on war?
- How to balance security with peace?
A Different Perspective
Changing entrenched military doctrines is politically difficult.
![“While other [military] alliances have been formed to win wars, our fundamental purpose is to prevent war while preserving and extending the frontiers of freedom.” quote by Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d3d/ronald-reagan-119_alliances_while-other-military-alliances-have-been_1175922.jpg)
