Timothy Naftali Quotes
Weak countries always exaggerate their power.
Timothy Naftali, Political Historian, Director, Presidential Recordings Program at the University of Virginia's Miller Center of Public Affairs, Speech, International Spy Museum, July 17, 2005
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
He argued to take every statement or threat of violence against America or Americans made by a foreign leader, even if for local political purposes, as a clear and present danger that requires action, often including force to nullify that country's capability to harm America or to produce a regime change. Many point to Adolf Hitler who had, in Mein Kampf, told the world what he would try and do, and few paid any attention to him. On the other hand, when he was at his most dangerous and planning massive world aggression, his rhetoric was very moderate and peaceful. The vast majority of the foreign leaders who threaten America and her interests, never have acted on those threats. However, one danger is the incitement of others in the country or region who might become a threat to America as an individual or a non state terror group.
This is a view with which most diplomats and foreign policy strategist do not agree. They point to Hitler in WWII where Nazi Germany had enormous power but brought themselves to ruin via terrible strategic decisions that Hitler made. Declaring war on the United States, Invading Russia, and not developing nuclear weapons are 3 of the worst. Many argue that the United States strategy in invading Iraq and diverting resources from Afghanistan was a poor strategic decision.
Timothy Naftali is a Canadian-American historian who is clinical associate professor of public service at New York University. He has written four books, two of them co-authored with Alexander Fursenko on the Cuban Missile Crisis and Nikita Khrushchev. He is a regular CNN contributor as a CNN presidential historian.
