Quotes About Diplomacy

The probability of direct confrontation increases with the aggressiveness of the enemy. So, rather than try to outbid the enemy with complicated schemes, one should, on the contrary, try to outbid him in simplicity

Wenn der Gegner unseren Willen erfüllen soll, so müssen wir ihn in eine Lage versetzen, die nachteiliger ist, als das Opfer, welches wir von ihm fordern; die Nachteile dieser Lage dürfen aber natürlich, wenigstens dem Anscheine nach, nicht vorübergehend sein, sonst würde der Gegner den besseren Zeitpunkt abwarten und nicht nachgeben.

Con frecuencia, un buen negociador es aquel que comprende los intereses de la otra persona e intenta servirlos también.

William McKinley (R, 1897-1901): president during the Spanish-American War that saw the United States acquire Cuba and the Philippines.

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau once said: "Living next to the Americans is like sleeping next to an elephant—no matter how friendly and even-tempered the elephant, one is affected by every twitch!

I give a little wave back because it's more mature then giving him the finger.

Diplomat: A person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.

A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you will look forward to the trip.

A diplomat... is a person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip.

A wise government knows how to enforce with temper, or to conciliate with dignity.

Sometimes directly asking for what you want is not the best way to achieve a desired result." As this story shows, good negotiation is a continual exploration of the realm of possibilities.

Well, I think everybody is frustrated by the finances of the U.N. and the inability to solve problems of war and peace.

But let me tell you, this gender thing is history. You're looking at a guy who sat down with Margaret Thatcher across the table and talked about serious issues.

Don't waste time making enemies. As long as you're active, you'll have plenty.

One sword keeps another in the sheath.

He didn't want to tell his son what to do, but told me to write the president a letter. I didn't name a country, but there are many countries we have a fragile relationship with.

There's a point, you know, where treachery is so complete and unashamed that it becomes statesmanship.

As I said to Speedicut, it's hell in the diplomatic.

I don't consider Americans bullies, but I do consider the American government bullying.

In the last century, when a wicked and unworthy subject annoyed the Sultan of Turkey or the Czar of Russia, he had his head cut of without much ceremony; but when the same happened in England, the monarch declared: 'We are not amused'; and the whole British nation even now, a century later, is immensely proud of how rude their Queen was.

Oh, you know. I am secretary of state. My trips aren't successful. I just talk to people.

A lord must learn that sometimes words can accomplish what swords cannot.

Some battles are won with swords and spears, others with quills and ravens.

We only make peace with our enemies. That's why it's called making peace.