I saw my job [as president] as to try to move the world…
![“I saw my job [as president] as to try to move the world from an unstable condition of interdependence toward more integrated cooperative world community. Therefore, my approach was to cooperate wherever possible and to build institutions of cooperation, an expanded NATO, the World Trade…” quote by William J. Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/c03/william-j-clinton-302_approach_i-saw-my-job-as-president-as-to-try-to-m_1887654.jpg)
“I saw my job [as president] as to try to move the world from an unstable condition of interdependence toward more integrated cooperative world community. Therefore, my approach was to cooperate wherever possible and to build institutions of cooperation, an expanded NATO, the World Trade Organization, the Summit of the Americas, the Asian Pacific Leaders, all those, the coalition to fight in Bosnia and Kosovo, to cooperate wherever possible but to act alone if we had to.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
He aimed to shift global relations from fragile interdependence to stable cooperation, building institutions and alliances while retaining unilateral action when needed.
In simple terms: Promote global stability through cooperation, but keep options for independent action.
Key Takeaway
Balance collaboration with strategic autonomy.
Themes
cooperation
global governance
institution building
strategic autonomy
Mood
optimistic
determined
pragmatic
Type
political
strategic
When to use this quote
- building NATO
- forming WTO
- summit diplomacy
- conflict resolution
- regional alliances
Key Concepts
interdependence
collective security
multilateralism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when to act alone versus join a coalition?
- What risks arise from over‑reliance on institutions?
A Different Perspective
Cooperation can be limited by national interests and power imbalances.