"The rule of law in place of force, always basic to my thinking, now takes on a new relevance in a world where, if war is to go, only law can replace it"

Roger Nash Baldwin's quote highlights the principle that the guideline of law need to dominate making use of force, reflecting his deep dedication to peace and justice. Baldwin, best called a creator of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), stresses a philosophical and practical shift from resolving disputes through war to resolving them through legal structures and institutions.

The phrase "The guideline of law in place of force" implies a fundamental shift in how society addresses conflicts and differences. The rule of law represents a system where laws, instead of arbitrary decisions or violence, govern society. This concept is fundamental to democratic and simply societies, making sure that all individuals undergo the very same legal standards and defenses.

The concept that this principle is "constantly basic to my thinking" reveals Baldwin's enduring belief in serene, legal resolutions to disputes instead of counting on browbeating or military might. It speaks with his advocacy for civil liberties and human rights, suggesting that a society governed by laws is one in which private liberties are safeguarded.

By stating that this principle "now handles a new importance in a world where, if war is to go, only law can change it", Baldwin is dealing with a post-war context, likely referencing the after-effects of World Wars or contemporary global tensions. In an age where traditional warfare ends up being significantly damaging and untenable, Baldwin argues that legal mechanisms and global laws are necessary replacements. The "new significance" recommends an urgency in strengthening legal systems to prevent conflicts and safeguard peace.

Ultimately, Baldwin's quote calls for a shift from a world accustomed to addressing disagreements with force to one that totally accepts the guideline of law. It is a vision of a worldwide order where justice, fairness, and factor dominate violence and browbeating, ensuring long lasting peace and stability. This vision stays as appropriate today as it was throughout Baldwin's life time, highlighting continuous international difficulties in attaining such a change.