29 Quotes by Robert Kagan

International order is not an evolution; it is an imposition. It is the domination of one vision over others- in this case, the domination of liberal principles of economics, domestic politics, and international relations over other, nonliberal principles. It will last only as long as those who imposed it retain the capacity to defend it.

Were Congress somehow to reject the Administration's deal in some effort to maintain a consistent principle on non-proliferation, it would have no effect on Iran's decisions. But that futile gesture would have a devastating effect on US relations with India.

Under our Constitution, military leaders have no choice but to endorse the president's decision after giving him their best advice.

Well, I think he's right to notice that there is a difference in attitudes and even in the broadest sense of world view between Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Which is old and which is new is an interesting question, and I almost think that maybe he's got it backwards.

Britain has taken itself out as a major player in the international system, at least for a while, with the kind of cuts that they've made in their national security budget.

Based on all criteria - military power, economic influence, cultural dominance - America remains number one, even though other, new players are increasingly challenging it in that role.

Europe, partly because of the sort of political miracle it accomplished on the European continent, has developed a very strong faith in international institutions, international legal mechanisms, as the key to international order, and have really begun to view military power as an illegitimate form of activity, but in any case, something that is to be avoided at almost all costs.

The thing that I would say is that U.S. power is not eternal. I am not saying that it won't come to an end. Because it will.

The non-military answer in Iran is political change.