Economic Quote by Robert Higgs
“This is the true lesson of our history: war, preparation for war, and foreign military interventions have served for the most part not to protect us, as we are constantly told, but rather to sap our economic vitality and undermine our civil and economic liberties.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Political Economy of War, 2005
War and interventions often drain resources and erode freedoms rather than providing security, highlighting hidden costs of militarism.
In simple terms: War harms economies and liberties.
Key Takeaway
Question the true cost of conflict.
Themes
politics
economics
freedom
Mood
critical
concerned
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- public budgeting
- activism
Key Concepts
Militarism
Resource allocation
Civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- What alternatives exist for national security?
- How can citizens hold leaders accountable?
A Different Perspective
Security concerns sometimes justify actions despite costs.
![“Just between you and me, shouldn’t the World Bank be encouraging MORE migration of the dirty industries to the LDCs [Less Developed Countries]?... I think the economic logic behind dumping a load of toxic waste in the lowest wage country is impeccable and we should face up to that... I’ve always…” quote by Lawrence Summers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ac4/lawrence-summers-16940_air_just-between-you-and-me-shouldn-t-the-wo_4703.jpg)
