Madeleine Albright

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

I was very pleased to hear President Macron say that he wanted to recruit 50 percent women candidates for the Parliamentary elections.

I think, Senator, it's absolutely essential because we know that societies are more stable when women are politically and economically empowered.

Our interests dictate that we should be for a world in which democracy is defended and universal values upheld.

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

Experience has taught me that diplomacy, development, and democracy are as integral to our national security as defense.

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.

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.

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

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.

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