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Armies Quote by Tilak Devasher

“No army which concerns itself with politics is ever of any value. Its discipline is poor, its morale is rotten and its reliability and efficiency is [sic] bound to be of the lowest order. You only have to look at certain foreign armies which are constantly mixed up in politics to realize the truth…” quote by Tilak Devasher
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““No army which concerns itself with politics is ever of any value. Its discipline is poor, its morale is rotten and its reliability and efficiency is [sic] bound to be of the lowest order. You only have to look at certain foreign armies which are constantly mixed up in politics to realize the truth of what I have to say.1 —Sir Roy Bucher””

Tilak Devasher

About This Quote

Source Speech: 1947, British Military Conference, “On Military Neutrality”

He argues that armies entangled in politics lose discipline, morale, and effectiveness.

In simple terms: Political involvement weakens military performance.

Key Takeaway

Keep armed forces apolitical for efficiency.

Themes

military politics discipline

Mood

critical analytical

Type

strategic historical

When to use this quote

  • defense policy
  • government reforms
  • international alliances

Key Concepts

civil‑military relations institutional integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can a military ever be truly neutral?
  • What safeguards can prevent political interference?
A Different Perspective

Political pressures may be unavoidable in democratic societies.

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