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About this quote

What does it mean?
Isolationism leads to decline; global leadership is the only way to secure peace and control destiny.
In plain terms
Avoid isolationism and lead globally to ensure peace.
What can you take from it?
Lead globally rather than isolating to ensure security.

Where it applies

  • policy debates
  • international summits

Putting it to work

  • maintain alliances
  • engage internationally

Questions to consider

  • Is isolationism ever safe?
  • Who pays for leadership?

Another view

Global leadership can be costly and risky.

More from George W. Bush

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  2. Abroad, our nation is committed to an historic, long-term goal - we seek the end of tyranny in our world. Some dismiss that goal as misguided idealism. In real…

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  3. If you think the terrorists would become peaceful if only America would stop provoking them, then it might make sense to leave them alone. This is not the thre…

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