Decision Quote by Indira Gandhi
“The International Control Commission isn't doing anything, it's never done anything. What good does it do to be on it or not? Before opening the embassy in Hanoi, I gave it a lot of thought, but it wasn't really a painful decision. American policy in Vietnam is what it is, in Saigon the situation is anything but normal, and I'm happy to have done what I did.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Vietnam policy, 1970s, null
Critique of a powerless international body and personal justification of policy decisions.
In simple terms: A commission ineffective; personal decisions matter.
Recognize limits of institutions, act responsibly.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- diplomacy
- policy formulation
- ethical reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess the value of participation in ineffective bodies?
- What alternative actions could be taken?
Institutions may still influence outcomes despite inefficacy.