Answers Quote by Richard Holbrooke
“People in uniform are not sacrosanct. They don't have all the answers. The use of force is a political decision at its core, in terms of its objectives; then the military, as the experts, must be brought in to tell you how to do it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Military Policy, 2010
Authority in uniform should be questioned; force is a political choice, not a technical one.
In simple terms: Uniformed power isn’t infallible; force is political.
Key Takeaway
Question expertise, demand accountability.
Themes
authority
politics
military
decisionmaking
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- public protest
- government oversight
- media analysis
Key Concepts
political theory
civil-military relations
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure civilian control over military decisions?
- When should force be used?
A Different Perspective
Experts may lack moral legitimacy; political motives can dominate.
