Diplomats Quote by E.C. Riegel
“If the government were obliged to come to the people for money instead of vice-versa, the people would keep government under control and operate their economy satisfactorily with prosperity and peace resulting. The peoples of the nations do not make war. For them peace is the natural and permanent order. Wars are planned and perpetrated by politicians and their diplomats; and the money power of government is the means by which the people are maneuvered into wars.”
About This Quote
Source Political essay, early 20th century, unknown publication
If governments rely on people for funding, citizens can control them, leading to peace; wars stem from political manipulation of money.
In simple terms: People‑funded government promotes peace; war is politically driven.
Key Takeaway
Promote democratic funding mechanisms.
Themes
politics
economics
peace
war
government control
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- public budgeting
- citizen oversight
- peacebuilding
Key Concepts
democratic theory
political economy
peace studies
Questions to Reflect On
- How realistic is citizen‑controlled funding?
- What safeguards prevent new forms of manipulation?
A Different Perspective
Implementation challenges in large societies.
