It is barely conceivable that there are people who like war. Henry A. Kissinger More Quotes by Henry A. Kissinger More Quotes From Henry A. Kissinger Realism in foreign policy is made up of a clear set of values, since difficult foreign policy decisions are often decided with the narrowest of majorities. Without any sense of what is right and wrong, one would drown in a flood of difficult and pragmatic decisions. Henry A. Kissinger realism majority decision Realism in foreign policy means careful consideration of all aspects pertinent to the issue, before taking a decision. This is the only way you can move from where you are to someplace else. Henry A. Kissinger issues mean moving For my generation the relationship with Europe was the central point of American foreign policy. Even during my time in government there was disagreement, sometimes very strong disagreement. But they were all like arguments within a family. I am not sure if the generation which doesn't have these experiences has the same view of things. Henry A. Kissinger government strong europe The idea of abstract power only exists for academics, not in real life. Henry A. Kissinger real-life real ideas There is no realism without an element of idealism. Henry A. Kissinger realism idealism elements The Gorbachev period is conceived as an abandonment of historic Russian positions. So this is the framework, in my view, in which Putin operates. Henry A. Kissinger abandonment historic views The mistake we make with many people - not just Russia - is that we believe we have the model, and there is a sort of a condescension in our dialogue with other societies, which was especially painful in several administrations to Russia. I think in Russia, the Yeltsin period is not considered a period of great achievement, but a period of corruption and humiliation. Henry A. Kissinger mistake believe thinking The Russian people, at least the ones I know, have pride in being a Russian. And, therefore, they want to be taken seriously in international affairs. Henry A. Kissinger pride taken people
