President Obama said that nations will have to give up some of their autonomy and freedom to achieve security on Tuesday during his speech to the United Nations General Assembly.

Obama told the audience that he believes global security can be achieved with the help of international institutions like the U.N. In his remarks, Obama said "powerful nations" like the United States will have to accept constraints and give up some of their freedom. The president acknowledged that he has been criticized by his own citizens for this belief, but that he remains convinced he is right. Obama also stated that, while countries will have to accept some limits on their freedom, they should not give up the right to defend themselves.

"We can only realize the promise of this institution’s founding to replace the ravages of war with cooperation if powerful nations like my own accept constraints," Obama said. "I’m convinced in the long run giving up some freedom of action, not giving up our ability to protect ourselves or pursue our core interests but binding ourselves to international rules, over the long-term, enhances our security."

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