"A major power can afford a military debacle only when it looks like a political victory"
- Friedrich Durrenmatt
About this Quote
This quote by Friedrich Durrenmatt recommends that a major power can just accept a military defeat if it is viewed as a political triumph. This indicates that a major power wants to compromise its military strength in order to get a political benefit. This could be analyzed as an indication of strength, as it shows that a major power is willing to take threats in order to gain a political benefit. It might also be interpreted as a sign of weak point, as it suggests that a major power is willing to compromise its military strength in order to get a political benefit. Ultimately, this quote recommends that a major power is willing to accept a military defeat if it is seen as a political victory. This might be viewed as an indication of strength, as it shows that a major power is willing to take dangers in order to get a political benefit, or it might be seen as a sign of weak point, as it suggests that a major power wants to sacrifice its military strength in order to acquire a political benefit.