Achieve Quote by Glenn Greenwald
“There are few things more bizarre than watching people advocate that another country be bombed even while acknowledging that it will achieve no good outcomes other than safeguarding the 'credibility' of those doing the bombing. Relatedly, it's hard to imagine a more potent sign of a weak, declining empire than having one's national 'credibility' depend upon periodically bombing other countries.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The Limits of Power, 2015
The author argues that bombing for credibility is a sign of a weakening empire, exposing the paradox of destructive foreign policy.
In simple terms: Bombing to prove strength shows decline.
Key Takeaway
Question the logic of force as credibility.
Themes
politics
war
credibility
empire
ethics
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- foreign policy debates
- military strategy
- public discourse
Key Concepts
power dynamics
moral paradox
imperial decline
Questions to Reflect On
- Is bombing ever justified for reputation?
- What alternatives preserve credibility?
A Different Perspective
Credibility can be built without violence.
