Accommodations Quote by John Bolton
“A strong State Department to me means a corps of career officials who believe that their job is to advocate America's interests and who are trained in effective advocacy, not schooled in accommodation.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview with The Wall Street Journal, 2018
A capable State Department should consist of professional diplomats focused on actively promoting national interests rather than merely accommodating others.
In simple terms: Career diplomats should push U.S. goals, not just appease.
Prioritize advocacy over accommodation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- foreign negotiations
- policy formulation
- international crises
- trade talks
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can diplomats balance assertiveness with partnership?
- What risks arise from a purely advocacy‑driven approach?
Effective advocacy can strain alliances if not balanced with cooperation.