"アメリカの敵であることは危険かもしれないが友人であることは致命的である"
— Henry Kissinger
Simplified Meaning:
Being an enemy of America can put you in danger, but being its friend might be even worse and could lead to your downfall. This means that while opposing the United States can be risky, aligning too closely with it can be detrimental in the long run. For instance, countries or leaders who have sided with the U.S. at times faced severe negative consequences when their interests no longer aligned. An example is the relationship between the U.S. and different foreign leaders over the years. For instance, Noriega, the leader of Panama, was initially supported by the U.S. because he helped with their interests. However, when he stopped being useful, the U.S. turned against him, leading to his capture and imprisonment. This suggests that if you find yourself in the role of a partner or ally to a powerful nation, it's important to be mindful and cautious of how that relationship might change. In your own life, this advice serves as a reminder to be wary of whom you trust and align with, especially if the other party holds significantly more power or influence than you do. Friendships or alliances that seem beneficial in the short term might not always be in your best interest over time. Be discerning about the intentions and long-term reliability of those you choose to be close to.