Chance Quote by Frank-Walter Steinmeier
“Where there is a threat of mass murder, where the stability and order of countries and entire regions are endangered, and where there is no chance of successful political settlements without military support, we must be willing to honestly weigh up the risks of getting involved against the consequences of doing nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Press conference on foreign policy, Germany, 2015
We must carefully balance the dangers of intervention against the costs of inaction when massive violence threatens stability.
In simple terms: Weigh intervention risks versus doing nothing.
Key Takeaway
Consider both risks before acting.
Themes
politics
security
ethics
risk assessment
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
policy
analytical
When to use this quote
- humanitarian crises
- regional conflicts
- peacekeeping missions
- government decision making
Key Concepts
realism
humanitarian intervention
geopolitics
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the long‑term effects of non‑intervention?
- How can we ensure interventions are truly necessary?
A Different Perspective
Intervention can create unintended consequences and escalation.
