Clear Quote by B. H. Liddell Hart
“It is only to clear from history that states rarely keep faith with each other, save in so far (and so long) as their promises seem to them to combine with their interests.”
About This Quote
Source Book: History of the Great War, B. H. Liddell Hart, 1930
States often break promises unless those promises align with their own interests, making alliances fragile.
In simple terms: Promises survive only when they serve self‑interest.
Key Takeaway
Check whose interests are truly at stake.
Themes
politics
trust
alliances
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- diplomacy
- international negotiations
- military coalitions
- policy making
Key Concepts
realpolitik
self‑interest
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you trust agreements that benefit you?
- How can mutual benefit be ensured?
A Different Perspective
Even when interests align, mistrust can still undermine cooperation.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
