A nation riven by factions, in which the minority has no hope of ever becoming a majority, or in which some group knows it is perpetually outcast, will seem oppressive to its members, whatever the legal pretensions.

In my particular case foreign policy happens to be my hobby, my consuming interest. I had spent decades studying it.

In the hands of a determined Secretary, the Foreign Service can be a splendid instrument, staffed by knowledgeable, discreet, and energetic individuals. They do require constant vigilance lest the convictions that led them into a penurious career tempt them to preempt decision-making.

Now when I bore people at a party they think it's their fault.

Leaders are responsible not for running public opinion polls but for the consequences of their actions.

Far too often the Ukrainian issue is posed as a showdown: whether Ukraine joins the East or the West. But if Ukraine is to survive and thrive, it must not be either side's outpost against the other - it should function as a bridge between them.

I do not stand on protocol. If you just call me Excellency, it will be okay.