Foreign policy Quote by Madeleine Albright
“the purpose of foreign policy is to persuade others to do what we want or, better yet, to want what we want.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the United Nations General Assembly, 1995
Foreign policy aims to shape other nations' desires to align with our interests, ideally making them want what we want.
In simple terms: Persuade others to share our goals.
Seek mutual benefit through influence.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- international treaties
- public diplomacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure influence respects other nations' autonomy?
- What ethical limits exist in shaping desires?
Assumes rational actors; may overlook cultural differences.