Susan Rice

I would rather be alone and a loud voice for action than be silent.

For the United States to recommit itself to the obligation that we undertook in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that many other states undertook, which was to work towards disarmament and the eventual elimination of nuclear weapons, is something that manifestly serves our national security interests.

I was conscious of the fact that it could be to my disadvantage to marry a white guy - that some folks would hold that against me.

One can't erase the tremendous burden of apartheid in 10 years, 20 years, I believe, even 30 years.

Well, I think by any expectation South Africa has come a tremendously long way. We've seen a society that many people thought couldn't withstand a peaceful transition to democracy without a great deal of violence, in fact, make that transition and do it in relative peace and security.

Well, Nigeria has played a constructive role in peacekeeping in various parts of West Africa. But unless and until Nigeria itself is democratic and respects human rights, it too may well be a source of much greater instability as political repression limits the ability of the people of Nigeria to achieve their full potential.

If you want change, you have to make it. If we want progress we have to drive it.