Meaning: The quote by Elihu Root, a prominent lawyer and statesman, reflects a hopeful yet realistic sentiment regarding the concept of a global governing body with the authority to regulate the behavior of nations through legislation or enforcement mechanisms. Root's use of the phrase "counsel of perfection" suggests that while the idea of such a system is appealing, it may be unattainable or impractical in reality.

The notion of a "parliament of man" or an "international police force" speaks to the desire for a unified and harmonious world order, where conflicts and injustices among nations could be addressed and resolved through a supranational entity. This vision is rooted in the belief that international law and cooperation should take precedence over unilateral actions and power struggles between states.

Elihu Root's background as a lawyer and a key figure in international diplomacy lends weight to his assessment of the challenges inherent in establishing a global governing authority. Root served as the Secretary of State under President Theodore Roosevelt and later as a U.S. Senator, and he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in promoting international arbitration and peaceful resolution of conflicts. His extensive experience in matters of international relations and law gives his perspective on the ideal of a global parliament or police force added credibility.

The expression "counsel of perfection" implies that while the concept of a global authority to regulate the behavior of nations is an ideal to strive for, it may not be achievable in practice. The phrase "counsel of perfection" suggests that the idea is more aspirational than realistic, acknowledging the complex and often conflicting interests of sovereign states. Root's use of this phrase underscores the difficulty of achieving a universally accepted and effective system of global governance.

In contemporary international relations, the debate over the feasibility and desirability of a global governing body continues to be a topic of discussion and contention. Advocates for global governance argue that in a world interconnected by trade, technology, and environmental challenges, a system of international laws and enforcement mechanisms is necessary to address transnational issues such as climate change, terrorism, and human rights violations. They point to organizations like the United Nations and the International Criminal Court as steps toward a more cohesive global order.

However, critics of the idea of a global parliament or police force raise concerns about sovereignty, national interests, and the potential for abuse of power by a centralized authority. They argue that the diversity of cultures, political systems, and values across the world makes it difficult to establish a universal framework that can effectively govern all nations. Additionally, the history of imperialism and colonialism has left a legacy of distrust and skepticism toward the idea of a single global authority with enforcement powers.

In conclusion, Elihu Root's quote captures the tension between the ideal of a global parliament or police force and the practical challenges of achieving such a system. His use of the phrase "counsel of perfection" acknowledges the appeal of the concept while also recognizing the complexities and obstacles that stand in the way of its realization. As the world continues to grapple with pressing global issues, the debate over the potential for a unified system of international governance remains an important and evolving conversation.