"The problem in defense is how far you can go without destroying from within what you are trying to defend from without"

This quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower speaks with the delicate balance in between protecting a country from external risks and maintaining its internal stability. It recommends that a country needs to take care not to go too far in its defense efforts, as this could result in the damage of the very values and principles it is trying to protect. This is a caution against using extreme force or oppressive steps, which could result in a breakdown of civil liberties and the erosion of the country's core worths. It is a pointer that a country must bear in mind the effects of its actions and make every effort to keep a balance in between security and freedom. Eventually, Eisenhower's quote acts as a reminder that a nation should be alert in its defense efforts, however also mindful of the need to safeguard its residents from within.