Napoleon

If we consider that this quote originated in an era when the monarch/leader was not democratically elected (yes, including Napoleon, even if I hear people arguing the Imperial Constitution was overwhelmingly voted. We will acknowledge that it was Napoleon’s will that voted the question), but his monarchic attributes were rather passed down from generation to generation, then today it is more obvious then ever.

Public opinion, often through instruments that speculate a discontent within the population (media, press, opinion leaders), influences national and often global decisions. The Vietnam War ended not only with Saigon’s capitulation, but with the entire wave of protest against an increasing number of American soldiers dying in a foreign war.

Leaders today will most likely learn from the mistakes of the past and the current administration’s recent stances towards a more diplomatic approach is a certain sign in this direction, including the war in Iraq.