Quotes from Stephen M. Walt

The thing that makes countries want to pursue some kind of nuclear deterrent is precisely the fact that they feel threatened.

To the extent that Israel does face threats, like from say Hamas or Hezbollah, those are threats that do not jeopardise Israel's existence.

The "compleat diplomat" of the future should remain cognizant of realism's emphasis on the inescapable role of power, keep liberalism's awareness of domestic forces in mind, and occasionally reflect on constructivism's vision of change.

No president would appoint a wealthy campaign donor to command an armored division or a warship—let alone serve as a regional combatant commander—but roughly a third of U.S. ambassadorial appointments are doled out to campaign contributors rather than to trained professional diplomats, with sometimes embarrassing results.

Well, a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East would be a wonderful thing.

Israel has a sizeable nuclear arsenal and could retaliate if it were attacked.