“History teaches that war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“History teaches that war begins when governments believe the price of aggression is cheap.”
Explanation
In this quote, Ronald Reagan emphasizes the importance of deterrence in maintaining peace, warning that wars often erupt when aggressors miscalculate the risks and consequences of their actions. By stating that war begins when the “price of aggression is cheap,” Reagan underscores the idea that weakness or passivity invites conflict, while strength and resolve can prevent it. It reflects his philosophy of “peace through strength,” where a nation’s ability to defend itself credibly serves as the most powerful discouragement to hostile actors.
This principle was a cornerstone of Reagan’s foreign policy during the Cold War. He believed that the United States must maintain military superiority not to seek war, but to prevent adversaries—especially the Soviet Union—from misjudging America’s willingness or capacity to respond. His increased defense spending and strategic initiatives, including the Strategic Defense Initiative, were rooted in this belief that credible deterrence is the best safeguard against war.
Today, Reagan’s quote remains relevant in discussions about national defense, global diplomacy, and conflict prevention. It serves as a caution to policymakers that neglecting military readiness or signaling uncertainty can embolden those who seek to exploit perceived weakness. Reagan’s message is enduring: peace is preserved not by ignoring threats, but by ensuring that the cost of aggression is unmistakably high.
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