The Quotation IndexThe trusted reference for quotations and the sources behind them
Tag Tag Diplomacy
There is no such thing as gratitude in international politics.
Arnold J. Toynbee A Study of History · 1934-1961

Quotes

“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”

John F. Kennedy · Inaugural Address of President John F. Kennedy, 1961 · Primary source

“While the breakdown of diplomacy reflects the belief of each nation that it will gain more by fighting than by negotiating, the breakdown of war reflects the belief of each nation that it will gain more by negotiating than by fighting.”

Geoffrey Blainey · The Causes of War, 1973 · Primary source

“A war postponed may be a war averted.”

Winston Churchill · The World Crisis, 1923-1931 · Primary source

“Confident and unafraid, we labor on—not toward a strategy of annihilation but toward a strategy of peace.”

John F. Kennedy · Commencement address at American University, 1963 · Primary source

“This is a time for action—not for war, but for mobilization of every bit of peace machinery.”

Eleanor Roosevelt · My Day, 1935-1962 · Primary source

Works

Geoffrey Blainey · 1973
The Causes of War

A historical study of why nations go to war, emphasising conflicting assessments of power and the conditions that make peace possible.

Read summary·Explore 5 quotes

Related Tags

Cold War 31 Courage 25 Reciprocity 11 International cooperation 8 Delay 5 Conflict resolution 4 Collective action 4 Peace negotiations 4 Alliances 3 Balance of power 3 Conflict prevention 2 Negotiation 2 War termination 2 Military conflict 2 National interest 1 Realpolitik 1 De-escalation 1 Strategic patience 1 Peace strategy 1 Nuclear restraint 1 Disarmament 1 Peacebuilding 1 Strategic calculations 1 Origins of war 1