“What’s evident is that the world is a mess,” Dr. Madeleine Albright said Tuesday.
The former Secretary of State and current Mortara Distinguished Professor in the Study of Diplomacy spoke to a full audience of undergrads, graduate students and faculty in Copley Formal Lounge on Tuesday about her newest book, Memo to the President Elect.
Albright began her talk lightly; pointing out a big shiny turtle pin on her jacket, Albright explained that each pin in her growing collection has a certain political significance for her.
“It all started when Saddam Hussein called me a snake,” Albright said, adding that since then she’s worn her snake pin whenever a related issue arose. The turtle Albright said, was symbolic of the pace of talks with Israel, which she’d had that day.
Turning serious Albright, throughout her speech, emphasized America’s need to “remarket itself.” Negotiating with other nations, restoring America’s reputation worldwide and repairing broken relationships abroad will be tantamount to a successful next presidency.
In reference to her new book, Albright reiterated former President Warren Harding’s statement, “I wish there was a book that would tell me what to do.”
“Well, here it is,” Albright said of Memo to the President Elect.
Albright’s book highlights five major issues that she believes the next president must tackle: terrorism, the potential for nuclear war, improving democracy’s image around the world, global warming and the negative effects of globalization.
Memo also addresses the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Albright called the latter “the greatest disaster in American foreign policy … worse than Vietnam.”
“Invading a country to impose democracy … that’s an oxymoron,” Albright said. She warned the future president against the unintended consequences of diplomatic decisions, like the United States’ decision to invade Iraq.
“The unintended consequence of Iraq is Iran,” Albright said. “And I would say that Iran has won the war in Iraq.”
When Kim Keller (MSB ‘09) asked whether it was realistic for a president to make progress on all issues presented in her book or if the future president should focus on any issue in particular, Albright replied that the future president needs to prioritize and, most importantly, strike a balance between realistic approaches and ideal solutions.
“This is going to be a very, very hard presidency, no question about it,” Albright added. “The next president is in for a very challenging time.”
Right On, Madeleine! I read your book, and both Obama and McCain should read it..Obama will “get” it but McCain will not. Obama will win too; he better! And he still must read your book,,it is all mappedout for him but he will still have quite a time, but will do a great job, as we are all hoping. If only Harding had had the book with the problems of his time addressed therein. but let’s go from here as you say so well. You are great! Onward! Pam