How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Essential to avoid politics. For he did not know Mr. Baynes' views on leading issues of the day. Yet they might arise. Mr. Baynes, being Swedish, would be a neutral. Yet he had chosen Lufthansa rather than SAS. A cautious ploy... Mr. Baynes, sir, they say Herr Bormann is quite ill. That a new Reichs Chancellor will be chosen by the Partei this autumn. Rumor only? So much secrecy, alas, between Pacific and Reich. (2.6)
Like Tagomi's comment about not converting Baynes (see "Themes: Prejudice"), he doesn't want anything to get in the way of business. But note how politics slips in even here. It's hard to get away from politics (whether or not the Nazis won).
Quote #2
An Italian, thirty-four years old, from the Nazi part of the world… he had been in the war, all right. But on the Axis side. And he had fought at Cairo; the tattoo was their bond, the German and Italian veterans of that campaign—the defeat of the British and Australian army under General Gott at the hands of Rommel and his Afrika Korps. (6.41)
Politics is often about power, but here we see how politics impacts history. (Or put another way: we see the politics of this different history.) So, Juliana imagines how Joe's life was shaped by the accidents of his birth (he happened to be born Italian at a certain time) and by the accidents of politics (there was that little war).
Quote #3
"Lot of hot blood stirred up in political discussion." Paul said. "Everywhere you go. Essential to keep head."
"Yes," Childan agreed. "Calmness and order. So things return to customary stability."
"Period after death of Leader critical in totalitarian society," Paul said. "Lack of tradition and middle-class institutions combine—" He broke off. "Perhaps better drop politics." He smiled. "Like old student days." (7.42-4)
Just like in our world, here's another perfectly nice dinner party that almost gets ruined by politics (oh, and also by Childan's racism). But look at how politics slips in even here, in a dinner party brought together by a shared love of American antiques. (Although maybe that whole "American antique" market is itself political… ) Notice also how we learn about the characters through their opinions: Childan wants stability, no matter who is in charge, whereas Paul notes the weakness of Fascist society.