About Quote by David Douglas Duncan
“With Germany conquered, the Kremlin checkmated, Japan converted, it became easier - safer - to peek around looking for someone to fear... and maybe do something about. Ideally, somebody far away, from a country about which almost nothing was known.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The War: A Photographic History, 1945
The quote suggests that after Germany fell, the Soviet Union felt secure enough to confront Japan, and that distant, unknown adversaries become easier to target for fear or action.
In simple terms: After Germany's defeat, the USSR felt freer to act against Japan and unknown foes.
Key Takeaway
Use fear of the unknown to motivate decisive action.
Themes
geopolitics
fear
strategy
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- Cold War planning
- military intelligence
- foreign policy
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
Power dynamics
psychology of threat
Questions to Reflect On
- What unseen threats drive your strategic choices?
- How does distance affect perceived danger?
A Different Perspective
It may oversimplify complex international relations and ignore moral considerations.
![“[After World War II:] By now we are used to the rubble, which they clear up religiously and indefatigably. What a determination to get on top again! One could admire it, if one would not be afraid that somewhere lurks another Hitler. But you can't seem to find a single Nazi in Germany! Nobody was…” quote by Lotte Lenya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/97b/lotte-lenya-59535_admire_after-world-war-ii-by-now-we-are-used-to_2919456.jpg)
