"Nothing is more important in the preservation of peace than to secure among the great mass of the people living under constitutional government a just conception of the rights which their nation has against others and of the duties their nation owes to others"
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Elihu Root emphasizes that genuine and lasting peace depends not just on the decisions of leaders or the existence of laws, but fundamentally on the understanding held by the general population. For societies governed constitutionally, every citizen plays a role, whether direct or indirect, in guiding the actions and posture their nation assumes on the world stage. Root identifies two pillars that must be firmly rooted in the popular mind: a just understanding of national rights in relation to other nations and a clear recognition of national duties owed to the world community.
He argues that misunderstanding on either front can be dangerous. When people misinterpret their nation’s rights, they may support unjust claims or actions, escalating tensions and potentially leading to conflict. Excessive nationalism, for example, can arise when individuals believe their country is entitled to more than is fair, or that their interests supersede universally accepted standards. On the other hand, ignorance or neglect of a nation’s duties towards others, such as respect, justice, and international cooperation, can breed selfishness, isolationism, or even hostility. Such attitudes corrode the foundations of mutual trust necessary for peace.
Root is clear that peace can only be preserved when citizens are educated, reflective, and ethical in their worldviews. He places responsibility on society to cultivate a balanced sense of national identity, one that harmonizes rightful interests and honorable obligations. This requires education, public discourse, and political culture that champions both assertiveness in safeguarding legitimate rights and humility in fulfilling global responsibilities.
By focusing on the consciousness and conscience of the “great mass of the people,” Root asserts that peace is democratic, owned and maintained by informed, fair-minded citizens. It is not enough for treaties or armies to exist; what matters most is the internal compass of the people, orienting their nations toward coexistence rather than conflict.
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