---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Ultimately the success of any…"
description: "\"Ultimately the success of any nonproliferation strategy requires a universal standard. Washington's \"Do as I say, not as I do\" approach lacks moral aut..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb8/david-cortright-49706_approach_ultimately-the-success-of-any-nonprolife_417660.png"
---

#  Ultimately the success of any nonproliferation strategy…

![“Ultimately the success of any nonproliferation strategy requires a universal standard. Washington's &quot;Do as I say, not as I do&quot; approach lacks moral authority and is seen as hypocritical. It is like preaching temperance from a bar stool.” quote by David Cortright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb8/david-cortright-49706_approach_ultimately-the-success-of-any-nonprolife_417660.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb8/david-cortright-49706_approach_ultimately-the-success-of-any-nonprolife_417660.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cb8/david-cortright-49706_approach_ultimately-the-success-of-any-nonprolife_417660.png)

> “Ultimately the success of any nonproliferation strategy requires a universal standard. Washington's "Do as I say, not as I do" approach lacks moral authority and is seen as hypocritical. It is like preaching temperance from a bar stool.”

[David Cortright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-cortright/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Effective nonproliferation needs consistent, universally applied standards; double standards undermine credibility and moral authority.

**In simple terms:** Standards must be the same for everyone.

Key Takeaway

Apply rules equally everywhere.

Themes

integrity policy nonproliferation leadership

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical policy.

When to use this quote

- diplomatic negotiations
- treaty drafting
- public statements
- policy enforcement

Key Concepts

ethical consistency international law deterrence

Questions to Reflect On

- How can we enforce universal standards without bias?
- What mechanisms ensure accountability for all nations?

A Different Perspective

If powerful states ignore their own rules, others may follow suit, weakening the regime.

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