The real threat to world stability is not too much American power. It is too little American power.
Michael MandelbaumThe American empire will not disappear... because America does not have an empire.
Michael MandelbaumIn the past when a country became as powerful as the United States, other countries would band together to clip its wings. But that isn't happening now and I don't think it's not going to happen, because other countries are not threatened by us, and they secretly appreciate the services that we provide, even if they don't usually say so.
Michael MandelbaumThe American political system is so porous, it's so open, it's so frustrating for those who are trying to make policy.
Michael MandelbaumAmerican influence in the world is certainly considerable, but the United States does not control, directly or indirectly, the politics and economics of other societies, as empires have always done, save for a few special cases that turn out to be the exceptions that prove the rule.
Michael Mandelbaum