Certain Quote by Henry A. Kissinger
“Any international system must have two key elements for it to work. One, it has to have a certain equilibrium of power that makes overthrowing the system difficult and costly. Secondly, it has to have a sense of legitimacy.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on International Relations, 1971
A functional global order needs both a balance of power that deters disruption and recognized legitimacy to sustain cooperation.
In simple terms: Power balance and legitimacy keep a system stable.
Key Takeaway
Maintain both strength and credibility.
Themes
politics
international relations
stability
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
theoretical
policy.
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- treaty formation
- conflict prevention
- institution building
Key Concepts
balance of power
legitimacy
deterrence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a system regain legitimacy after a breach?
- What mechanisms ensure power balance remains effective?
A Different Perspective
Legitimacy can be contested, undermining the equilibrium.
![“Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings "The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer." [...] But since the Freedom of Information Act, I'm afraid to say things like that.” quote by Henry A. Kissinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/henry-a-kissinger-1068_freedom_before-the-freedom-of-information-act-i_25339.jpg)
