In the first place, when there is a policy of intentional aggression, inspired by a desire to get possession of the territory or the trade of another country, right or wrong, a pretext is always sought.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
Preemption is the right of any nation in order to preserve its National Security; however, preemptive war is a tactic, not a strategy. When used as a strategy preemption dilutes diplomacy, creates an atmosphere of distrust, and promotes regional instability.
There are both things in international law: the principle of territorial integrity and right to self-determination.
What we believe to be the motives of our conduct are usually but the pretexts for it.
The doctrine of preemption has a long and distinguished history in the history of American foreign policy.
The will to survive is not as important as the will to prevail... the answer to criminal aggression is retaliation.
A sovereignty is always presumed to act upon principles of justice, and if, from mistake or oversight, it does injury to a nation or an individual, it is always supposed to be ready and willing to repair it.
Every action needs to be prompted by a motive.
Claims of right and insistence upon obligations may depend upon treaty stipulations, or upon the rules of international law, or upon the sense of natural justice applied to the circumstances of a particular case, or upon disputed facts.
The theoretical postulate of all diplomatic discussion between nations is the assumed willingness of every nation to do justice.
For a war to be just three conditions are necessary - public authority, just cause, right motive.
No opposing quotes found.