Henry Kissinger may have wished I had presented him as a combination of Charles DeGaulle and Disraeli, but I didn't....out of respect for DeGaulle and Disraeli. I described him as a cowboy because that is how he describes himself. If I were a cowboy I would be offended.
A great deal of world politics is a fundamental struggle, but it is also a struggle that has to be waged intelligently.
The skillful leader subdues the enemy's troops without any fighting.
Though it is a great mistake to make friends of the wicked and foolish, it is unwise to make enemies of them, for they are very numerous.
The two maxims of any great man at court are, always to keep his countenance, and never to keep his word.
You're in America now," I said. "Our idea of diplomacy is showing up with a gun in one hand and a sandwich in the other and asking which you'd prefer.
The art of politics is learning to walk with your back to the wall, your elbows high, and a smile on your face. It's a survival game played under the glare of lights.
A wise minister would rather preserve peace than gain a victory, because he knows that even the most successful war leaves nations generally more poor, always more profligate, than it found them.
Always be civil, but with a plan to neutralise everyone in the room.
Walk softly and carry a big stick. Or stomp loudly and carry enough firepower to start a small war. Whatever worked
I do think Russian foreign policy is very savvy. There's a need for great caution because the Russians are able to discreetly blackmail countries.
I don't think we need to have an either/or debate about the use of military force - I think you can be both tough and smart.
