One thing worse than an America that is too strong, the world will learn, is an America that is too weak. Michael Mandelbaum Read Quote
The amount of military force necessary to provide reassurance depends on how dangerous people think the world is. And that I think ultimately depends upon the kinds of government that hold sway in major countries. Michael Mandelbaum Read Quote
The attacks of September 11 persuaded many Americans that what might seem to be obscure or distant potential threats can very quickly materialize and it therefore makes sense to attend to them even before they become urgent. Michael Mandelbaum Read Quote
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, however, every significant government in the world declared its support for the United States. Michael Mandelbaum Read Quote
While analogies are useful, however, they can also be misleading. They smuggle in assumptions that can be wrong. Michael Mandelbaum Read Quote
The windfall of great riches can, if mismanaged, make things worse, not better, for the recipients. Michael Mandelbaum Read Quote
The government can give citizens opportunity and it’s their responsibility to take advantage of it. Michael Mandelbaum Read Quote
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 as a funny one, on comedy shows. Michael Mandelbaum Read Quote
