"Internationalism, illustrated by the Bolshevik and by the men to whom all countries are alike provided they can make money out of them, is to me repulsive"
- Henry Cabot Lodge
About this Quote
Henry Cabot Lodge's quote reflects a critical stance on the concept of internationalism, especially in the context of the early 20th century. Lodge, who was a popular American statesman and a leading Republican figure, frequently voiced suspicion about policies and ideologies that appeared to threaten national sovereignty and identity.
In this quote, Lodge juxtaposes two kinds of internationalism that he finds objectionable. The first is represented by the Bolsheviks, a political group that led the Russian Revolution in 1917 and looked for to motivate an around the world communist movement. To Lodge, the Bolshevik type of internationalism was alarming due to the fact that it aimed to dismantle recognized nationwide limits and promote an egalitarian, stateless society. This revolutionary zeal threatened the standard order and might undermine the sovereignty of other countries, consisting of the United States.
The 2nd type of internationalism Lodge slams involves people and entities that focus on earnings over patriotism. These are "the men to whom all countries are alike supplied they can make money out of them," suggesting a review of those who participate in opportunistic financial practices without regard to nationwide loyalties or the wellness of the domestic population. This kind of internationalism prioritizes worldwide capitalist growth and individual wealth over national interests and worths.
Lodge's usage of the word "repulsive" indicates a deep aversion to these forms of internationalism, as he believed they could erode the cultural and political stability of the nation. His stance reflects a wider argument throughout his time between nationalism and globalism, where preserving national sovereignty and identity frequently clashed with the developing interconnectedness of the world. His perspective suggests a desire to protect and prioritize nationwide interests and identities in the face of global pressures that appeared to ignore or jeopardize them.
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