How we cite our quotes: (Part.Sentence)
Quote #1
Despite these holocausts America is today the strongest, the most influential and most productive nation in the world. Understandably proud of this pre-eminence, we yet realize that America's leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment. (II.3-4)
JFK, who was taking over just a few days after Ike spoke these words, must have been channeling Eisenhower when he created the Peace Corps. Some politicos bemoan the supposedly waning influence of America on the world stage, and talk about more military spending and intervention as a remedy. But if Ike's opinion is to be trusted, it may be that America's foreign policy just hasn't done enough to support world peace and "human betterment."
Quote #2
Throughout America's adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among people and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance, or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt both at home and abroad. (III. 1-3)
Although Ike was realistic about power and its uses, having seen the worst humanity could do during WWII, he remained an idealist. Perhaps that's what got so many American soldiers through that bloody war: they were fighting for liberty and progress. Soldiers can get demoralized when they think they're fighting for no good cause.
Quote #3
A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction. (IV. 1-2)
This is an allusion to the MAD (mutually assured destruction) doctrine, which holds that if whoever fires the first missile is doomed themselves, they just won't do it. Ronald Reagan used the phrase "Peace Through Strength" as a cornerstone of his foreign policy. Same idea.