Skip to content

Addresses Quote by Henry A. Kissinger

“President Nixon in his inaugural address indicated that he wanted an era of negotiation. Our reasoning was that whatever our ideological differences, whatever our geopolitical differences, we were condemned to coexistence by nuclear weapons.” quote by Henry A. Kissinger
Download Open image
“President Nixon in his inaugural address indicated that he wanted an era of negotiation. Our reasoning was that whatever our ideological differences, whatever our geopolitical differences, we were condemned to coexistence by nuclear weapons.”

Henry A. Kissinger

About This Quote

Source Speech: Nixon Inaugural Address, 1969

Nuclear weapons force global coexistence despite ideological differences.

In simple terms: Nuclear deterrence compels cooperation.

Key Takeaway

Promote diplomatic negotiation.

Themes

nuclear deterrence global politics coexistence

Mood

cautious strategic

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • defense strategy
  • peace talks

Key Concepts

realpolitik mutual assured destruction international relations

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can nations reduce nuclear reliance?
  • What alternatives to deterrence exist?
A Different Perspective

Risk of escalation remains high.

3.6 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Henry A. Kissinger

Explore all 298 Henry A. Kissinger quotes

More Addresses quotes

Browse all 1,095 Addresses quotes