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
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.
In practice
During a speech on foreign policy, one might mention this quote to highlight the importance of American leadership.
Democracy requires an informed citizenry able to question its government.
There 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.
Nationalism is a tool increasingly used by leaders to bolster their authority, especially amid difficult economic and political conditions.
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.
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.
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.
And if you want partnerships that focus on hard problems and real solutions, then pick a Black woman. Because that's what we do every single day and in every single way.
Your most precious possession is not your financial assets. Your most precious possession is the people you have working there, and what they carry around in their heads, and their ability to work together.
Good counselors lack no clients.
For most of us, fidelity is faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty. For the men and women of the FBI, fidelity also means fidelity to country. It means fidelity to justice and the law, fidelity to the Constitution, fidelity to equality and liberty.
You are here to step into the shoes of UN ambassadors - to draft resolutions, to plot strategy, to negotiate with your allies as well as your adversaries. Your goal may be to resolve a conflict, to cope with a natural disaster or to bring nations together on an issue like climate change. You may be playing a role, but you are also preparing for life. You are acting as global citizens.
A mediocre person tells. A good person explains. A superior person demonstrates. A great person inspires others to see for themselves.
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