Consistency Quote by Richard N. Haass
“Indeed, in foreign policymaking, inconsistency is often a virtue. I speak not of principles but of policy.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Foreign Policy, Richard N. Haass, 2015
In diplomacy, flexibility and adapting to circumstances can outweigh rigid adherence to principles.
In simple terms: Policy may need to bend for practical results.
Key Takeaway
Embrace adaptable strategies.
Themes
politics
flexibility
policy
principles
Mood
pragmatic
critical
Type
analytical
strategic
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- crisis management
- international agreements
Key Concepts
realpolitik
strategic adaptation
Questions to Reflect On
- When does flexibility become unreliability?
- How to balance principle and pragmatism?
A Different Perspective
Too much inconsistency can erode credibility.
