Meaning: The quote by Elihu Root highlights the significance of promoting a just understanding of rights and duties among the general population living under constitutional government in order to preserve peace. Elihu Root was an American lawyer and statesman who served as the Secretary of War and Secretary of State under President Theodore Roosevelt. His words underscore the critical role of public awareness and education in maintaining harmony and preventing conflicts on a national and international scale.

In essence, Root emphasizes that the foundation of peace lies in the cultivation of a fair and accurate comprehension of the rights that a nation possesses in relation to others, as well as the corresponding responsibilities and obligations that a nation must fulfill towards others. By fostering a just conception of these rights and duties among the populace, a society can contribute to the maintenance of peaceful relations with other nations and the avoidance of unnecessary conflicts.

Root's assertion aligns with the principles of international law and diplomacy, which emphasize the importance of mutual understanding, respect for sovereignty, and the fulfillment of obligations in fostering peaceful coexistence among nations. A nation's populace plays a crucial role in shaping the attitudes and policies of its government, and therefore, an informed and conscientious citizenry can significantly influence the nation's approach to international relations.

By acquiring a just conception of their nation's rights in the global community, individuals can advocate for policies that uphold these rights while also recognizing the corresponding duties that their nation owes to others. This awareness can lead to the promotion of peaceful and cooperative interactions with other nations, as well as the avoidance of actions that may infringe upon the rights or sovereignty of other states.

Furthermore, Root's quote underscores the importance of constitutional government in fostering a just understanding of rights and duties among the populace. Constitutional governance provides a framework for the protection of individual rights and the establishment of legal and ethical principles that guide a nation's conduct in its international relations. A constitutional government, with its emphasis on the rule of law and accountability, is more likely to promote a just and equitable conception of rights and duties among its citizens.

In practical terms, the promotion of a just conception of rights and duties requires education, public discourse, and the dissemination of accurate information about international law, diplomacy, and the rights of nations. Educational institutions, media outlets, and civil society organizations play a vital role in shaping public opinion and fostering an informed citizenry that is cognizant of its nation's position in the global community.

Root's quote also highlights the interconnectedness of rights and duties in the context of international relations. A nation's rights are inherently linked to its obligations towards other nations, and a just conception of these rights and duties can contribute to the development of mutually beneficial relationships based on respect, cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

In conclusion, Elihu Root's quote encapsulates the fundamental importance of cultivating a just understanding of rights and duties among the populace living under constitutional government as a cornerstone of preserving peace. By promoting an informed and conscientious citizenry that appreciates its nation's rights and obligations in the international arena, societies can contribute to the maintenance of peaceful relations and the prevention of conflicts on a global scale. This requires a concerted effort to educate and engage the public in discussions about international law, diplomacy, and the ethical principles that underpin harmonious interactions among nations.