Administration Quote by Henry A. Kissinger
“I would say the special experience of American wartime policy in the last 40 years, from Vietnam on, is that the war itself became controversial in the country and that the most important thing we need in the current situation is, whatever disagreements there may be on tactics, that the legitimacy of the war itself does not become a subject of controversy. We have to start with the assumption, obviously, that whatever administration is conducting a war wants to end it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on war policy, date unknown
The speaker stresses that despite tactical disputes, the war’s legitimacy must stay unquestioned, assuming the administration aims to end the conflict.
In simple terms: War legitimacy must stay clear despite tactical disagreements.
Key Takeaway
Maintain war legitimacy.
Themes
war
legitimacy
policy
politics
conflict
Mood
cautious
strategic
formal
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- military planning
- public discourse
- diplomacy
Key Concepts
international relations
strategic communication
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure war legitimacy?
- How can dissent be expressed without undermining legitimacy?
A Different Perspective
Legitimacy can be contested by public opinion and evidence.
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