Arms Quote by Mikhail Gorbachev
“We could still have continued the arms race, but the arms race was pointless, and it was another reason we decided to start perestroika. It was senseless to continue to accumulate weapons. We had enough weapons to destroy life on Earth 1,000 times, and therefore it was very clear to us that the arms race could spiral out of control. A conflict could have started, as both the Americans and the Soviets realized, not out of a wrong political decision but because of a failure in the command-and-control systems.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Soviet Press Conference, 1985
The arms race was irrational and dangerous; dismantling it was essential for global survival.
In simple terms: Arms race was pointless.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize disarmament and cooperation.
Themes
war
nuclear weapons
politics
Mood
serious
hopeful
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- peace negotiations
- education curricula
Key Concepts
deterrence theory
international relations
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can nations take to ensure mutual security?
- How can societies prevent future arms races?
A Different Perspective
Disarmament faces political resistance.
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