Jeane Kirkpatrick Quotes

A collection of quotes by Jeane Kirkpatrick.

Jeane Kirkpatrick (1926-2006) was an American political scientist, diplomat, and renowned foreign policy expert. Born in Duncan, Oklahoma, Kirkpatrick rose to prominence as a leading conservative thinker and had a significant impact on U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era.

Kirkpatrick earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Barnard College and Columbia University, respectively. She later became a professor of government at Georgetown University and published several influential books on international relations.

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed Kirkpatrick as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During her tenure, she became known for her strong defense of American values and her opposition to communism. Kirkpatrick's views on promoting democracy and human rights while recognizing the limitations of U.S. military involvement shaped American foreign policy during this critical time in history.

One of her most notable contributions was the articulation of what became known as the "Kirkpatrick Doctrine." In this doctrine, she argued that while supporting authoritarian regimes was not ideal, it could serve as a strategic move to prevent communist takeovers. This controversial stance led to fierce debates and shaped discussions on U.S. intervention abroad.

Jeane Kirkpatrick's legacy as a scholar, diplomat, and political commentator rests on her unwavering dedication to promoting American interests and values on the international stage. Her ideas continue to influence foreign policy discussions in the United States and beyond.

Truth, which is important to a scholar, has got to be concre

Truth, which is important to a scholar, has got to be concrete. And there is nothing more concrete than dealing with babies, burps and bottles, frogs and mud.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Truth

I think that it's always appropriate for Americans and for A

I think that it's always appropriate for Americans and for American foreign policy to make clear why we feel that self-government is most compatible with peace, the well-being of people, and human dignity.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Peace

I was a woman in a man's world. I was a Democrat in a Republ

I was a woman in a man's world. I was a Democrat in a Republican administration. I was an intellectual in a world of bureaucrats. I talked differently. This may have made me a bit like an ink blot.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Politics

The real point is that totalitarian regimes have claimed jur

The real point is that totalitarian regimes have claimed jurisdiction over the whole person, and the whole society, and they don't at all believe that we should give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Society

We have war when at least one of the parties to a conflict w

We have war when at least one of the parties to a conflict wants something more than it wants peace.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Peace

Democracy not only requires equality but also an unshakable

Democracy not only requires equality but also an unshakable conviction in the value of each person, who is then equal.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Equality

There is an absolutely fundamental hostility on the part of

There is an absolutely fundamental hostility on the part of totalitarian regimes toward religion.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Religion

Democrats can't get elected unless things get worse, and thi

Democrats can't get elected unless things get worse, and things won't get worse unless they get elected.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Politics

History is a better guide than good intentions.

History is a better guide than good intentions.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

History

Just as the Russians and the Soviets didn't manage to wipe o

Just as the Russians and the Soviets didn't manage to wipe out languages in Lithuania, neither have they managed to wipe out religion to the extent that we had feared.

Jeane Kirkpatrick

Religion