The American political system is so porous, it's so open, it's so frustrating for those who are trying to make policy.
Michael MandelbaumOne thing worse than an America that is too strong, the world will learn, is an America that is too weak.
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 MandelbaumWhile analogies are useful, however, they can also be misleading. They smuggle in assumptions that can be wrong.
Michael Mandelbaum