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 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."”
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.
Consider hidden motives in negotiations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- foreign policy decisions
- business deals
- conflict resolution
- government meetings
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal ties affect policy?
- What safeguards protect impartial decisions?
Economic interests may compromise moral choices.