--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In understanding the collapse of the ERM…" description: "\"“In understanding the collapse of the ERM, however, what is important is that to subordinate domestic (that is, national) economic considerations to na..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/bernard-connolly-34959_goals_in-understanding-the-collapse-of-the-erm_2342940.jpg" --- # In understanding the collapse of the ERM, however, what is… ![“In understanding the collapse of the ERM, however, what is important is that to subordinate domestic (that is, national) economic considerations to national foreign policy goals almost always corresponds to subordinating the preferences of the population at large to those of a political élite, and…” quote by Bernard Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/bernard-connolly-34959_goals_in-understanding-the-collapse-of-the-erm_2342940.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/bernard-connolly-34959_goals_in-understanding-the-collapse-of-the-erm_2342940.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/148/bernard-connolly-34959_goals_in-understanding-the-collapse-of-the-erm_2342940.jpg) > ““In understanding the collapse of the ERM, however, what is important is that to subordinate domestic (that is, national) economic considerations to national foreign policy goals almost always corresponds to subordinating the preferences of the population at large to those of a political élite, and can never be unconditional, except – possibly – in the most ruthlessly efficient totalitarian state. The”” [Bernard Connolly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bernard-connolly/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Prioritizing foreign policy over national economics subordinates the populace to elite interests, only viable in totalitarian regimes. **In simple terms:** Putting national goals above domestic needs favors elites, not the people. Key Takeaway Beware of elite‑driven policies. Themes politics economics sovereignty Mood cautious critical Type analytical political When to use this quote - government decision‑making - public opinion shaping - foreign policy planning Key Concepts elite dominance policy trade‑offs Questions to Reflect On - How can a state balance foreign policy with domestic welfare? - What safeguards prevent elite capture? 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Tudor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/c-j-tudor/) [Browse all 21,276 Goals quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goals/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“In understanding the collapse of the ERM, however, what is important is that to subordinate domestic (that is, national) economic considerations to national foreign policy goals almost always corresponds to subordinating the preferences of the population at large to those of a political élite, and can never be unconditional, except – possibly – in the most ruthlessly efficient totalitarian state. 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