“I propose not only a new concept of détente, but a new strategy for living together ... This strategy means working together to solve global problems that require cooperation, problems which cannot be solved by confrontation. I refer specifically to the urgent necessity to; stop the arms race in conventional as well as nuclear weapons; halt the spread of nuclear weapons to other nations; clean up the waters of the high seas and protect the fish population for ourselves and for future generations; and combat world hunger and challenge and enlist the young people of the world in the struggle against hunger, poverty, disease and war.”
Our Quote of the Week proposes a vision for our foreign policy that relies on the knowledge that as a world community, we share the same vulnerabilities and must work together to address our common challenges. By doing so, we can create a more peaceful world.
This week, we are exploring Sargent Shriver’s 1976 Speech at Loyola University, which he gave during his run to be the presidential candidate in the 1976 Democratic primary. In the speech, he challenges us to envision a new concept of détente, i.e., the easing of political tensions, one that involves a more proactive state of international collaboration.
Shriver observes that our foreign policy must be founded on our own basic beliefs and principles and therefore must not be reactive:
“Our foreign policy reacts to what the other people do, instead of acting on the beliefs and principles on which this country was established, on the philosophy behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, on the belief that we have a government based on the consent of the governed and that every human being has inalienable rights given to them by their Creator, and provides a philosophical foundation for a particular type of political and economic community. Do we really believe that today? Do you still, even here at Loyola University, really believe that you as an individual have rights given to you by your Creator and that no government can impinge upon those rights or take them away from you. If you really believe that, if our country really believes that, then we have to start standing up for that philosophy of government and view of the nature of human beings. If we believe in that, we can once again become a country which is a symbol of hope for the world.”
Although Shriver did not ultimately become the Democratic nominee for president in 1976—Jimmy Carter won the nomination and went on to be president—his speeches from this era reflect his keen understanding of diplomacy and international relations. In a world of increasing international tensions and global conflicts, his words offer a sound direction for us today.
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