Citizens Quote by Charles Albert Gobat
“Ordinary citizens are obliged and, if need be, compelled by force to meet their commitments. But let higher obligations of an international order be involved, and governments repudiate them, more often than not with a disdainful shrug of the shoulders.”
About This Quote
When individuals are forced to honor personal duties, they comply; however, states often ignore higher international responsibilities, treating them with contempt.
In simple terms: States neglect global duties.
Key Takeaway
National interests outweigh international obligations.
Themes
political realism
international law
state sovereignty
ethical responsibility
power dynamics
Mood
critical
skeptical
cynical
Type
political
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- government negotiations
- treaty enforcement
- multilateral conferences
- humanitarian crises
- global governance
Key Concepts
obligation
force
commitment
international order
Practical Applications
- policy analysis
- diplomatic training
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do states prioritize domestic over global commitments?
- How can international norms be enforced without coercion?
