The former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations on events surrounding this week’s transfer of power in Washington, D.C.

“We’ve seen eight years of consistent decline consistent decline of American influence around the world, a weakening of structures that have been set up over decades to protect American interests around the world.”

“The decline of this influence has made America a much less-safe space. We’re endangered now on fronts that were inconceivable eight years ago.”

“Trying to recreate those positions of strength around the world, not just military but political and economic, that build up structures of deterrence that keep our adversaries at bay is the top priority and it’s going to be difficult to do given the damage Obama has done.”

“NATO and the U.N. are very different organizations. NATO as a common defense organization is a creation of the United States and intended to protect our interests in the North Atlantic area.”The strength of the alliance if to our advantage. If we don’t look out for stability in Europe to protect ourselves, nobody else is going to do it for us.”