While the United States has often taken the wrong path, it has rarely failed to demonstrate - at least in the long run - the courage to reverse its steps.
Antony BlinkenRead
We deal, unfortunately, every single day with leaders of countries who are responsible for actions we find either objectionable or abhorrent, whether it's Vladimir Putin, whether it's Xi Jinping, whether it's any others on a long list of people I can name. But we find ways to deal with them.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Leaders often make decisions that are controversial or morally wrong, yet we must find practical ways to engage with them.
In this quote, Antony Blinken reflects on the challenges of dealing with world leaders whose actions may be deemed objectionable or unacceptable. He emphasizes the pragmatic approach required in international relations, acknowledging that while it is difficult to engage with such leaders, it is necessary to find constructive ways to work together despite their controversial actions.
Themes
LeadershipInternational RelationsPragmatismDiplomacyEngagement
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about diplomacy, one might use this quote to illustrate the need for engagement despite disagreements.
More from Antony Blinken
All quotes →When it comes to climate change, I think that success at home is directly tied to our ability to lead effectively abroad.
Antony BlinkenRead
Some friends of Israel believe that the Palestinians will never, in their hearts, accept a Jewish state in Palestine. Yet Germans and French, Chinese and Japanese, Mexicans and Americans have overcome their once insurmountable differences. Palestinians and Jews also have much to gain from peaceful coexistence.
Antony BlinkenRead
By virtually every metric, the liberal international order has made the world healthier, wealthier, wiser, more secure and more tolerant than it has ever been.
Antony BlinkenRead
I don't think anyone in the 1990s, the late '90s, anticipated that the Putin they knew then would become the Putin we know now.
Antony BlinkenRead
My father's father fled a pogrom in Russia in the early 20th century and was welcomed to the United States. So was my stepmother, who escaped as a young girl from Communist Hungary in 1950.
Antony BlinkenRead
Similar quotes
It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.
Nelson MandelaRead
I hate letting my teammates down. I know I'm not going to make every shot. Sometimes I try to make the right play, and if it results in a loss, I feel awful. I don't feel awful because I have to answer questions about it. I feel awful in that locker room because I could have done something more to help my teammates win.
Lebron JamesRead
Tactics are so important because everybody has to know what they have to do on the pitch. The relationships and behaviours off the pitch between team-mates have to be as good as possible.
Pep GuardiolaRead
How easy it is to govern when one follows a system of consulting the will of the people and one holds as the only norm all the actions which contribute to the well being of the people.
Che GuevaraRead
My dear sisters, whatever your calling, whatever your circumstances, we need your impressions, your insights, and your inspiration. We need you to speak up and speak out in ward and stake councils.
Russell M. NelsonRead
When I left Dortmund, I said it's not important what people think when you come in but what they think when you leave.
Jurgen KloppRead