Political Quotes

Thomas Paine: Why are not Republics plunged into war, but because the nature of their Government does not admit of an interest…

On the recordJanuary 1, 1791
Why are not Republics plunged into war, but because the nature of their Government does not admit of an interest distinct from that of the Nation?
Said by
Thomas Paine

Editor's note · Context

In "Rights of Man," this rhetorical question suggests that republics are less prone to war because their governments' interests align with those of the nation.

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