QuoteProject
To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal
Henry A. Kissinger
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote suggests that opposing America can lead to severe consequences, while being its ally can be even more perilous.

Henry Kissinger's quote highlights the complexities of international relations, particularly in the context of America's influence and power. It implies that while being antagonistic toward the United States may present dangers, being a friend or ally can be fatal, perhaps suggesting the expectations and burdens that come with such a relationship, including potential backlash or loss of independence. This reflection on diplomacy underscores the precariousness of alliances where the stakes are extremely high.

Themes

AmericaFriendshipEnemyPoliticsAlliances

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a discussion about global politics and the nature of alliances.

More from Henry A. Kissinger

Every civilization that has ever existed has ultimately collapsed. History is a tale of efforts that failed, or aspirations that weren’t realized. So, as a historian, one has to live with a sense of the inevitability of tragedy.
Henry A. KissingerRead
Blessed are the people whose leaders can look destiny in the eye without flinching but also without attempting to play God.
Henry A. KissingerRead
It was a Greek tragedy. Nixon was fulfilling his own nature. Once it started it could not end otherwise.
Henry A. KissingerRead
The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously.
Henry A. KissingerRead
If peace is equated simply with the absence of war, it can become abject pacifism that turns the world over to the most ruthless.
Henry A. KissingerRead
What political leaders decide, intelligence services tend to seek to justify.
Henry A. KissingerRead

Similar quotes

My father joined our party because the Democrats in Jim Crow Alabama of 1952 would not register him to vote. The Republicans did.
Condoleezza RiceRead
I will defend Europe; it is our civilisation which is at stake... I will work to rebuild ties between Europe and its citizens.
Emmanuel MacronRead
The bringing-about of order is the first and fundamental task of government. We accept limits on our rights for the sake of a larger social compact all the time.
Jon MeachamRead
Herr Schroder has conducted two electoral campaigns, and he is doing it again now, by not telling people what is really necessary. He keeps avoiding the difficult and uncomfortable issues, those that imply changes and therefore provoke discussions.
Angela MerkelRead
An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy.
Thomas JeffersonRead
First of all, the world criticizes American foreign policy because Americans criticize American foreign policy. We shouldn't be surprised about that. Criticizing government is a God-given right - at least in democracies.
Michael MandelbaumRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Henry A. Kissinger | QuoteProject