Words matter, especially words defining complicated political arrangements, because they shape perceptions of the events of the past, attitudes toward policies being carried out in the present, and expectations about desirable directions for the future. — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
Certainly, protecting oppressed people, stopping ethnic conflict and promoting responsible governance are worthy goals. But none is as important for American security and prosperity… — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
In truth, every American administration since that of Franklin D. Roosevelt has maintained close ties with the Saudi rulers, and for a single, simple… — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
All policy is a matter of gains and losses, upsides and downsides. — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
In the past when a country became as powerful as the United States, other countries would band together to clip its wings. But that… — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
In my experience, it's not just that serious books get a hearing on comedy shows. But serious books get a serious hearing, as well… — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
After all, the past is our only real guide to the future, and historical analogies are instruments for distilling and organizing the past and… — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
The American political system is so porous, it's so open, it's so frustrating for those who are trying to make policy. — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
Read the news section of the newspaper and there is confusion and uncertainty, a world buffeted by large forces people neither understand nor control.… — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
The United States doesn't do what it does in the world for altruistic reasons. Nobody set out to be the world's government. — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
The United States plays, for the most part, a constructive global role, and to the extent that that role shrinks, other countries, even those… — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
American foreign policy, for all its shortcomings, has underpinned political stability around the world. — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
In the past, a blow to the international system's strongest power would have been welcomed by its rivals. In the wake of September 11,… — Michael Mandelbaum Copy Share Image
