Quote by Walter Bagehot

So long as war is the main business of nations, temporary despotism -- despotism during the campaign -- is indispensable.

So long as war is the main business of nations, temporary de

Summary

This quote suggests that during times of war, temporary despotism, or authoritarian rule, becomes necessary for nations. It implies that in order to effectively carry out military campaigns, there needs to be a centralized and controlled leadership that can make quick decisions without the distraction of democratic processes. The quote implies that war demands a more focused and strong-handed approach, which may require sacrificing certain liberties temporarily. In this context, despotism is seen as a utilitarian tool for achieving military objectives.

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By Walter Bagehot

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