Madeleine Albright

I think the people-to-people programs are essential and they create a network of understanding and education.

I think that this is where diplomacy comes in actually is to have ambassadors in those countries that are able to explain that we're not going in there to occupy.

I do agree. I think that things are out of kilter in a lot of places and we are facing threats and I do think that they need to be met by all the tools in the toolbox, not just the military but also diplomacy.

The past 70 years provides ample proof that democracy is more than just another form of government; it is also a powerful generator of international security, prosperity, and peace.

But our wisest leaders, Democrats and Republicans alike, have always understood that American foreign policy must be shaped not solely on the basis of what we are against, but also what we are for.

Freedom is perhaps the clearest expression of national purpose ever adopted and it's America's purpose.

Shedding our support for democracy would put in jeopardy our long-term economic, political and security interests.

Democracy and human rights must always be a pillar of our national security strategy.

The United States must stand with small democrats and not give any encouragement to authoritarians.

Democracy assistance is not to impose democracy. That is an oxymoron.

Governments that are publically accountable rarely start wars while regimes that run roughshod over their own citizens are often indifferent to the rights of their neighbors.

Democracy's more than just another form of government. It's also a powerful generator of international security, prosperity and peace.