Create the impression of endless willingness to compromise and you almost invite deadlines. That's the challenge we now have in North Korea and have had in North Korea for 10 years. In this sense, diplomacy and foreign policy and other elements of political activity have to be closely linked and have to be understood by the negotiators
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of a strong stance in negotiations to avoid being pressured into compromises that could compromise vital interests.
Henry A. Kissinger's quote reflects on the nature of diplomacy and the intricate balance of power that negotiators must maintain. He suggests that projecting an impression of constant flexibility may inadvertently lead to undue pressure from opposing parties, as seen in the context of North Korea where compromise has often been expected. This underscores the necessity for negotiators to remain firm yet wise, linking various facets of political engagement to effectively address international relations and maintain a nation's integrity.
In practice
During a diplomatic conference on climate change, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of steadfast commitment to one's goals.
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.
Blessed are the people whose leaders can look destiny in the eye without flinching but also without attempting to play God.
It was a Greek tragedy. Nixon was fulfilling his own nature. Once it started it could not end otherwise.
The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously.
If peace is equated simply with the absence of war, it can become abject pacifism that turns the world over to the most ruthless.
What political leaders decide, intelligence services tend to seek to justify.
India is a country that has no direct interests in some areas of global conflict. It has very good relations with countries in conflict or countries facing difficult security situations, and I believe Indian diplomacy is very well received. India is a bridge-builder, an honest broker, and a messenger of peace.
A good compromise is one where everybody makes a contribution.
What writer wants to make compromises with story? Story is the only reason you're in it.
We who preach the gospel must not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will between Christ and the world. We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, the world of sports or modern education. We are not diplomats but prophets, and our message is not a compromise but an ultimatum.
Once the Xerox copier was invented, diplomacy died.
Morality is a code of black and white. When and if men attempt a compromise, it is obvious which side will necessarily lose and which will necessarily profit.
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