Skip to content

Administration Quote by Richard V. Allen

“Certainly, the Bush Administration will rely in the first instance on its friends, since it would be both illogical and counterproductive to reward its adversaries.” quote by Richard V. Allen
Download Open image
“Certainly, the Bush Administration will rely in the first instance on its friends, since it would be both illogical and counterproductive to reward its adversaries.”

Richard V. Allen

About This Quote

Source Speech: Press briefing, White House, 1990

The administration will prioritize allies over enemies because rewarding opponents would be irrational and harmful.

In simple terms: Help friends, not foes.

Key Takeaway

Support allies first.

Themes

politics strategy alliances

Mood

cautious pragmatic

Type

political strategic

When to use this quote

  • foreign policy negotiations
  • international aid
  • defense planning
  • diplomatic outreach

Key Concepts

realpolitik decision making

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you identify true allies?
  • When might rewarding an opponent be advantageous?
A Different Perspective

May overlook potential benefits of engaging adversaries.

3.6 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Richard V. Allen

Explore all 24 Richard V. Allen quotes

More Administration quotes

Browse all 1,855 Administration quotes