Non-personal Friendships
Although the term initially described relations between individuals, it is at times used for political purposes to describe relations between states or peoples (the "Franco – German friendship", for example), indicating in this case an affinity or mutuality of purpose between the two nations.
Regarding this aspect of international relations, Lord Palmerston said:
| “ | Therefore I say that it is a narrow policy to suppose that this country or that is to be marked out as the eternal ally or the perpetual enemy of England. We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. Our interests are eternal and perpetual, and those interests it is our duty to follow. | ” |
This is often paraphrased as: "Nations have no permanent friends and no permanent enemies. Only permanent interests. "
The word friendship can be used in political speeches as an emotive modifier. Friendship in international relationships often refers to the quality of historical, existing, or anticipated bilateral relationships.
Read more about this topic: Friendship
Famous quotes containing the word friendships:
“psychologist
It is through friendships that teenagers learn to take responsibility, provide support, and give their loyalty to non- family members. It is also in teenage friendships that young people find confidants with whom to share thoughts and feelings that they are not comfortable sharing with their parents. Such sharing becomes one of the elements of true intimacy, which will be established later.”
—David Elkind (20th century)