Skip to content

Abolish Quote by John F. Kennedy

“Bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. Weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us...No longer is the quest for disarmament a sign of weakness, (nor) the destruction of arms a dream - it is a practical matter of life or death. The…” quote by John F. Kennedy
Download Open image
“Bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations. Weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us...No longer is the quest for disarmament a sign of weakness, (nor) the destruction of arms a dream - it is a practical matter of life or death. The risks inherent in disarmament pale in comparison to the risks inherent in an unlimited arms race.”

John F. Kennedy

About This Quote

Source Speech: Disarmament Address, 1961

Global security depends on collective control of weapons, not unilateral power.

In simple terms: Shared control prevents war.

Key Takeaway

Promote international cooperation on arms control.

Themes

peace security cooperation

Mood

serious hopeful

Type

political strategic

When to use this quote

  • UN negotiations
  • bilateral treaties
  • defense policy

Key Concepts

international law deterrence theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can trust be built among rival states?
  • What incentives encourage disarmament?
A Different Perspective

Sovereign nations may resist relinquishing power.

2.6 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by John F. Kennedy

Explore all 824 John F. Kennedy quotes

More Abolish quotes

Browse all 300 Abolish quotes