Skip to content

Consequence Quote by George W. Bush

“For states that support terror, it is not enough that the consequences be costly-they must be devastating” quote by George W. Bush
Download Open image
“For states that support terror, it is not enough that the consequences be costly-they must be devastating”

George W. Bush

About This Quote

Source Speech: Address to the Nation on Terror, 2002

States must impose consequences that are not merely costly but utterly ruinous to deter terrorism.

In simple terms: Devastating penalties deter terror better than cheap costs.

Key Takeaway

Make punishments overwhelming.

Themes

terrorism deterrence policy justice

Mood

serious determined

Type

political strategic

When to use this quote

  • foreign policy decisions
  • counterterrorism planning
  • legislative drafting
  • international negotiations

Key Concepts

strategic coercion statecraft ethical limits

Questions to Reflect On

  • What balance of punishment avoids creating martyrs?
  • How can we measure “devastating” without violating human rights?
A Different Perspective

Overly harsh penalties may fuel resentment and radicalization.

4.0 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by George W. Bush

Explore all 1,717 George W. Bush quotes

More Consequence quotes

Browse all 3,099 Consequence quotes