Choice Quote by Senator John Kerry
“The world today has a strong democratic core shaped by American ingenuity, sacrifice, and spirit. But on the periphery are many unstable and dangerous places, where terrorists seek to impose a medieval dark age. As we learned so brutally and so personally, we do face a new threat. But we also face a renewed choice - between isolation in a perilous world, which I believe is impossible in any event, and engagement to shape a safer world which is the urgent imperative of our time.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the Center for American Progress, 2015
The quote argues that while democracy is strong, many regions are unstable and threatened by terrorism, requiring active global engagement rather than isolation.
In simple terms: Democracy is strong but many places are unsafe; we must engage globally.
Choose engagement over isolation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- foreign policy planning
- counter‑terrorism initiatives
- international aid
- diplomatic negotiations
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should the US play in unstable regions?
- How can we balance security with humanitarian goals?
Isolation may be unrealistic but can reduce immediate risks; engagement requires resources and consensus.