The United States has been a global power since late in the 19th century.

I will always be an advocate in terms of wars of necessity. I am just much more cautious on wars of choice.

One of my favorite little sayings is, 'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing.

Development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers.

Well, I've ruffled a few feathers at all the institutions I've led. But I think that's part of leadership.

Some people have said, in so many words, that I'm kind of wooly-headed in believing that the Iranians would see not having nuclear weapons as more in their security interest than not.

In my opinion, any future defense secretary who advises the president to again send a big American land army into Asia or into the Middle East or Africa should 'have his head examined,' as General MacArthur so delicately put it.