Meaning: This quote by Elihu Root, a prominent lawyer and statesman, captures a timeless and disheartening aspect of human society – the dissonance between the actions of governments and the sentiments of the people they represent. The quote sheds light on the paradoxical dynamic where governments, tasked with maintaining peace and stability, often find themselves pressured by their citizens to engage in conflict. Root's astute observation highlights the complex and often conflicting motivations that drive international relations and the conduct of nations.

In the first part of the quote, Root points out the paradox of governments exerting significant effort to preserve peace while simultaneously facing pressure from their own people to enter into war. This observation reflects the delicate balance that governments must strike between the pursuit of diplomatic resolutions and the assertive demands of their populace. The phrase "straining every nerve to keep the peace" underscores the strenuous and often challenging nature of peacekeeping efforts undertaken by governments. It suggests that the task of maintaining peaceful relations between nations is not a passive endeavor but rather requires active and persistent engagement.

On the other hand, Root highlights the role of patriotic enthusiasm and resentment in driving the public towards advocating for war. The phrase "urging them forward to war" conveys the powerful and compelling force of nationalistic pride and the desire for retribution in influencing public sentiment. Root's inclusion of "real or fancied wrongs" acknowledges that the grievances prompting citizens to advocate for war may be based on genuine injustices or perceived slights. This distinction is crucial, as it illuminates the complex interplay of objective reality and subjective perceptions in shaping the public's attitudes towards conflict.

Elihu Root's quote is particularly relevant in the context of modern geopolitics, where the tension between governmental efforts to maintain peace and the public's clamor for military action continues to be a salient issue. In today's interconnected world, where information spreads rapidly and public opinion holds significant sway, the dynamics described by Root persist in shaping international relations. Instances of governments navigating the pressures to appease their citizens while upholding diplomatic efforts are evident in contemporary conflicts and diplomatic negotiations.

Furthermore, Root's quote prompts reflection on the ethical and moral responsibilities of governments in responding to the desires of their citizens. It raises questions about the extent to which national leaders should heed the calls for war in the face of patriotic fervor, and the potential consequences of succumbing to such pressures. Additionally, it underscores the importance of fostering informed and rational public discourse to prevent the escalation of hostilities based on unfounded grievances or unchecked emotions.

In conclusion, Elihu Root's quote encapsulates the enduring struggle between the imperative of governments to preserve peace and the impassioned calls for war emanating from the populace. It serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the relationship between governments and their citizens, and the profound impact of public sentiment on international affairs. By acknowledging the conflicting forces at play, Root's quote invites contemplation on the delicate balance between diplomacy and public sentiment in shaping the course of global events.