No permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.
Lord Palmerston's quote still holds true. Sentimentality makes for good speeches and press releases, but when the rubber meets the road, it generally doesn't last long.
If a new President took a more conciliatory line towards Russia, I doubt we'd see Estonian troops in Iraq or Afghanistan for very long - and indeed why should we?
Interesting point, Tequila !
It may be good speech material for Lord whoever, but telling the US SecDef you promise pretty much means you will, come hell or high water.Originally Posted by tequila
Estonia's current President just so happened to live and study (since childhood) in Canada and the USA. Guess who he thinks Estonia should be sentimental with and supportive of? Not Russia
In this context would it be best to try get other countries to be more friendly towards us , or should we focus on the alignment of their interests and ours?
Or maybe we just continue with the general premise that what we want is what is best for the people whereever they may be ,and those who feel the same stand with us.
Be careful when trying to use business ideals in determining cause for action in reference to social society.
Just like the difference between business ethics and personal mores, interests and ideological motivations are apples and oranges and must be seen as such.
Great speakers in history give orations on ideals, and hopes associated with actions because they were aware of that difference.
A lot of things are cut and dry but international interactions ain't one of them.
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