Skip to content

Alliances Quote by Bob Hawke

“When George Bush Senior [George HW Bush] was getting his alliance together to go into Iraq - to kick the Iraqis out of Kuwait - he rang me up. I was very close to George Bush Senior; I got to know him well as Vice President to Ronald Reagan. And George rang me up and said, "Oh, Bob," he said, "I'm…” quote by Bob Hawke
Download Open image
“When George Bush Senior [George HW Bush] was getting his alliance together to go into Iraq - to kick the Iraqis out of Kuwait - he rang me up. I was very close to George Bush Senior; I got to know him well as Vice President to Ronald Reagan. And George rang me up and said, "Oh, Bob," he said, "I'm having trouble with Brian [Mulroney]." He said, "He's got a big wheat trade with Iraq, and he doesn't want to upset that." I said, "You leave it with me."”

Bob Hawke

About This Quote

Source Memoir: The Hawke Memoirs, 1995

Political negotiations involve personal relationships and hidden trade interests.

In simple terms: Leaders balance diplomacy with economic ties.

Key Takeaway

Consider hidden motives in negotiations.

Themes

politics diplomacy economics personal networks

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

historical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • foreign policy decisions
  • business deals
  • conflict resolution
  • government meetings

Key Concepts

power dynamics trade policy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do personal ties affect policy?
  • What safeguards protect impartial decisions?
A Different Perspective

Economic interests may compromise moral choices.

4.8 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Bob Hawke

Explore all 86 Bob Hawke quotes

More Alliances quotes

Browse all 389 Alliances quotes