Cities Quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower
“A preventive war, to my mind, is an impossibility today. How could you have one if one of its features would be several cities lying in ruins, several cities where many, many thousands of people would be dead and injured and mangled, the transportation systems destroyed, sanitation implements and systems all gone? That isn't preventive war; that is war.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Press Conference, 1953, United States
A war labeled as preventive cannot exist because its execution inevitably causes massive civilian destruction, making it indistinguishable from ordinary war.
In simple terms: Preventive war is impossible because it still kills civilians.
Key Takeaway
Avoid labeling war as preventive; seek diplomatic solutions.
Themes
war
ethics
policy
humanitarian
military
peace
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government negotiations
- conflict prevention
- humanitarian aid
- post‑conflict reconstruction
Key Concepts
just war theory
deterrence
civilian protection
strategic doctrine
Questions to Reflect On
- Is there any scenario where preventive war could be morally defensible?
- How can nations reduce civilian casualties while pursuing security?
A Different Perspective
Preventive war may be justified under some strategic doctrines, but civilian harm remains a major moral issue.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
