Barack Obama Quotes

As we watch the world today, sometimes it seems that we're at the mercy of events instead of shaping events. And a strong America's essential to shape events, and a strong America, by the way, depends on a strong military.

The voice and force of the United States may count for nothing if they are withheld too long.

America's leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment.

In the international world, when General Electric walks into the room, the Sixth Fleet walks in behind them.

What I'm interested in is Britain projecting itself abroad, and through that its values and the things it holds dear. And I don't think you do that by refusing to talk to the world's second-largest economy [China]. In fact, that is positively counter-productive in my view.

We will continue to deepen our engagement using every element of American power - diplomacy, military, economic development, the power of our values and our ideals.

In the whole history of this country, we have probably won more friends from the power of our example than from the power of our military.

The fact that our largest presence in the world is our massive military is going to dictate how we engage with the world.

Diplomacy without military capability is nothing more than prayer.

America is different. It irks and domineers. But it does not conquer. It tries to call the shots and bend the rules, but it does not go to war for land and glory.

Dollar Diplomacy

Engaging the foreign state in trade agreements and concessions with the intent of enhancing moderate social elements will concomitantly strengthen the economic and military power of the challenger.

When the United States comes with resources and ideas, people pay attention.

America being a force is a lot more than building up the Defense Department.

On foreign policy, Obama has talked softly and carried a big stick.

'Smart power' is the use of American power in ways that would help prevent and resolve conflict - not just send our military in.

There is no substitute for American leadership and exceptionalism.

Our enemies and allies alike must know that aggressors will pay an unspeakable price for challenging the United States. The best way to impose that price is global military dominance.

I think that Hillary Clinton has an appreciation that American power needs to be put in the service of American values, which is an American tradition and a pretty good one, and I think she was willing to do that.

There is a homely old adage which runs: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far." If the American nation will speak softly, and yet build and keep at a pitch of the highest training a thoroughly efficient navy, the Monroe Doctrine will go far.

American power should be used not just in the defense of American interests but for the promotion of American principles.

Before the Iraq war I was quite disturbed by some of the neoconservatives, who were saying things like, "What is the point of being a superpower if you can't do such-and-such, take on these responsibilities?" The point of being a superpower is that people will leave you alone.

Putin is going to be considering the United States his number one enemy no matter who our president is - and no matter who's elected, that isn't going to change. I think Putin is loving the media saying he's got all this power, 'cause they're a Third World country outside of their military.

Potentially, America is really the greatest, but it's not yet, I don't think. It's too much like an old-fashioned empire, waving the stick and dropping too many bombs on too many people.

It would be some time before I fully realized that the United States sees little need for diplomacy; power is enough. Only the weak rely on diplomacy. The Roman Empire had no need for diplomacy. Nor does the United States.