“We can not play innocents abroad in a world that is not innocent.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“We can not play innocents abroad in a world that is not innocent.”
Explanation
In this quote, Ronald Reagan cautions against naïveté in foreign policy, emphasizing that the United States must approach international affairs with clear-eyed realism and strategic awareness. By stating that “we cannot play innocents abroad,” Reagan warns that acting as though the world operates on goodwill alone is dangerous in a geopolitical environment where conflict, deception, and competing interests are often the norm. The phrase underscores his belief that freedom must be defended proactively, not passively assumed.
This perspective was a cornerstone of Reagan’s approach during the Cold War, when he viewed the global arena—particularly in relation to the Soviet Union—as a place of serious ideological and strategic confrontation. Reagan rejected the idea of moral equivalence between the U.S. and totalitarian regimes, and he believed that a strong, morally grounded foreign policy was necessary to protect both American interests and global freedom. His statement is a call for moral clarity paired with strategic vigilance.
Today, Reagan’s quote remains highly relevant as nations navigate complex global threats, power rivalries, and shifting alliances. It serves as a reminder that idealism in international relations must be tempered with realism, and that defending values like democracy, human rights, and sovereignty requires active engagement and informed strength. Reagan’s message endures: the world is not innocent, and neither should our foreign policy be blind to that fact.
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