We will have to work around the world with less than ideal…
“We will have to work around the world with less than ideal governments. The government in Saudi Arabia is not a democracy, but we will have to work with them. The government in Jordan is not perfect, but we will have to work with them. But anti-American dictators like [Bashar] Assad, who help Hezbollah, who helped get those IEDs into Iraq, if they go, I will not shed a tear.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Navigating partnerships with non‑democratic regimes is necessary despite moral concerns.
In simple terms: Work with imperfect governments when required.
Balance pragmatism with ethical standards.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- diplomacy
- trade negotiations
- military alliances
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we set limits on cooperating with authoritarian regimes?
- What safeguards protect our principles?
Compromising may erode democratic values over time.