Still Darker Continent

In judging an individual it is proper to take motives into account (to the extent that we can discern them). It is a sentimental confusion to include supposed motives in our judgment of a policy. A policy is not a person; strictly speaking, it does not have motives, but objectives. A policy can be relevantly judged only by its consequences: its probable consequences when it is formulated; its actual consequences when it has been put into effect.

In a speech delivered last spring in Lusaka, Zambia, Secretary Kissinger proclaimed what was described as “a new American policy for southern Africa.” This policy continues to be developed in both words and actions.

JB

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James Burnham

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In judging an individual it is proper to take motives into account (to the extent that we can discern them). It is a sentimental confusion to include supposed motives in our judgment of a policy. A policy is not a person; strictly speaking, it does not have motives, but objectives. A policy can be relevantly judged only by its consequences: its probable consequences when it is formulated; its actual consequences when it has been put into effect.

In a speech delivered last spring in Lusaka, Zambia, Secretary Kissinger proclaimed what was described as “a new American policy for southern Africa.” This policy continues to be developed in both words and actions.