Meaning: The quote "So long as peace is not attained by law (so argue the advocates of armaments) the military protection of a country must not be undermined, and until such is the case disarmament is impossible" by Ludwig Quidde encapsulates the complex and contentious debate surrounding disarmament and peace. Ludwig Quidde, a German pacifist and historian, was a prominent critic of militarism and a staunch advocate for disarmament during the early 20th century. His quote reflects the arguments made by proponents of armaments, who contend that until a secure and lawful peace is established, military protection must remain intact, making disarmament an unattainable goal.

In his quote, Quidde addresses the fundamental dilemma at the heart of discussions on disarmament and peace. Proponents of armaments argue that in a world where peace is not guaranteed by law, nations must maintain strong military capabilities to protect themselves from potential threats. This perspective is often rooted in realpolitik, the belief that a nation's security and interests are best served by a pragmatic and realistic approach, including the maintenance of military strength.

The notion that peace is not attained by law implies that without a universally accepted and enforceable legal framework for peace, nations cannot fully rely on diplomatic agreements and must instead prioritize military protection. This argument is often used to justify the ongoing development and stockpiling of weapons, as well as military alliances and interventions, in the name of national security.

Quidde's quote also highlights the perceived impossibility of disarmament in the absence of a secure and lawful peace. Disarmament, the reduction or elimination of military forces and weapons, is widely regarded as a noble and desirable objective for promoting global stability and peace. However, the quote suggests that until a legal framework for peace is firmly established, the practical implementation of disarmament becomes an insurmountable challenge.

The historical context in which Quidde made this statement is crucial to understanding its significance. During the early 20th century, Europe was grappling with the aftermath of devastating world wars and the emergence of new geopolitical tensions. Quidde, as a vocal critic of war and militarism, witnessed the destructive consequences of unrestrained arms races and aggressive nationalistic policies. His quote reflects the urgency of his advocacy for disarmament as a means to prevent future conflicts and promote lasting peace.

The debate over disarmament and peace continues to be relevant in contemporary international relations. The proliferation of nuclear weapons, the persistence of regional conflicts, and the rise of non-state actors pose significant challenges to efforts aimed at achieving global disarmament. The quote by Quidde serves as a reminder of the enduring complexities and obstacles that hinder the pursuit of disarmament in a world where peace is not guaranteed by law.

In conclusion, Ludwig Quidde's quote encapsulates the contentious debate surrounding disarmament and peace, emphasizing the arguments made by advocates of armaments regarding the necessity of military protection in the absence of a secure and lawful peace. The quote underscores the perceived impossibility of disarmament until such a legal framework for peace is established. Quidde's perspective resonates with the historical context of his time and continues to provoke reflection on the challenges and aspirations associated with achieving global disarmament in the modern world.