We should be therefore supporting a larger Europe, and in so doing we should strive to expand the zone of peace and prosperity in the world which is the necessary foundation for a stable international system in which our leadership could be fruitfully exercised.

The quote “We should be therefore supporting a larger Europe, and in so doing we should strive to expand the zone of peace and prosperity in the world which is the necessary foundation for a stable international system in which our leadership could be fruitfully exercised.” by Zbigniew Brzezinski underscores his belief in the importance of a united and expanding Europe for global stability. Brzezinski argues that enlarging Europe—politically and economically—helps create a wider zone of peace and prosperity, which in turn strengthens the international system. Within such a system, U.S. leadership could be more effective and constructive.

The origin of this statement lies in Brzezinski’s role as a leading foreign policy strategist and former National Security Advisor to President Jimmy Carter. Throughout his career, he emphasized the strategic significance of Europe, especially during the Cold War and afterward. Brzezinski consistently supported European integration—including NATO and the European Union—as a means of containing conflict, fostering cooperation, and ensuring a stable balance of power in global affairs.

The meaning of the quote is that global peace depends on building strong regional alliances, with Europe playing a central role. By encouraging unity and economic growth in Europe, Brzezinski believed the world could achieve greater prosperity and security. This foundation would allow American leadership to be more than just military or economic dominance—it could become a force for stability and cooperation across nations.

Ultimately, Brzezinski’s words reflect his vision of international relations as interconnected and interdependent. A “larger Europe” was not only beneficial for Europeans but also essential for the wider global order. His statement reveals a belief that peace and prosperity are prerequisites for any lasting international system, and that U.S. influence could only be “fruitfully exercised” in such a cooperative environment.