Alliance Quote by Ambrose Bierce
“Alliance - in international politics, the union of two thieves who have their hands so deeply inserted in each other's pockets that they cannot separately plunder a third.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Devil's Dictionary", 1906
Political alliances are likened to two thieves sharing pockets, making it impossible for either to target a third without mutual betrayal.
In simple terms: Alliances can trap partners in shared wrongdoing.
Key Takeaway
Beware alliances that bind you to unethical partners.
Themes
politics
ethics
power dynamics
Mood
cynical
analytical
Type
satirical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- forming coalitions
- negotiating treaties
- corporate partnerships
- friend groups
Key Concepts
mutual dependency
corruption
Questions to Reflect On
- What risks do you accept in a partnership?
- Can trust be rebuilt after betrayal?
A Different Perspective
Such alliances may dissolve when interests diverge, leaving partners vulnerable.
