Democracy requires an informed citizenry able to question its government.
Richard N. HaassRead
American influence in the world depends on the ability to act with real capacity and set an example that others will want to follow. This all takes resources.
Interpretation
What this quote means
America's global influence relies on its capacity to lead and set a positive example, which requires resources.
The quote emphasizes that the strength and leadership of the United States on the world stage are contingent upon its ability to not only act effectively but also to demonstrate behaviors and actions that other nations would aspire to emulate. This leadership role is inherently tied to the availability of necessary resources, highlighting the interplay between capacity and influence in international relations.
Themes
InfluenceLeadershipResourcesCapacityExample
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on foreign policy, one might mention this quote to highlight the importance of American leadership.
More from Richard N. Haass
All quotes βThere is no getting around the reality that the second Iraq war was a war of choice; had it been carried out differently, it still would have been an expensive choice and almost certainly a bad one.
Richard N. HaassRead
Nationalism is a tool increasingly used by leaders to bolster their authority, especially amid difficult economic and political conditions.
Richard N. HaassRead
What countries must do to join the World Trade Organization is precisely what they must do to become productive and democratic: accept the rule of law, reduce corruption, and become open, accountable, and transparent.
Richard N. HaassRead
Terrorism needs to be de-legitimized in the way that slavery has been. Doing so will make governments and individuals think twice before becoming a party to terrorism; it should also make it less difficult to garner support for international action against those who nevertheless carry it out.
Richard N. HaassRead
The political world is defined by relationships rather than transactions, and by numerous actors at home and abroad with independent power. Navigating such a world is difficult and precarious.
Richard N. HaassRead
Similar quotes
The real leader redefines or defines the mission in a very powerful way so that people understand it; it permeates the organization.
Frances HesselbeinRead
Civility is not a tactic or a sentiment. It is the determined choice of trust over cynicism, of community over chaos.
George W. BushRead
To win the people, always cook them some savoury that pleases them.
AristophanesRead
The people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders...tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger.
Hermann GoringRead
Great empires are not maintained by timidity.
TacitusRead
Obama does seem to have what both FDR and Lincoln had, which is the recognition that you have to hold back at times and then wait to come forward.
Doris Kearns GoodwinRead