Question

If the enemy of our enemy is our friend, then what is the enemy of our friend? What would be true if we made friends with everyone’s enemy?

Answer 1

The phrase "the enemy of our enemy is our friend" is a proverb that suggests forming alliances with those who share a common adversary. It implies that when two parties have a common opponent, they might collaborate to achieve their respective goals.

Conversely, the "enemy of our friend" would refer to someone who is opposed to or in conflict with our friend. In this context, if we were to make friends with everyone's enemy, it could have several implications:

1. Complicated relationships: Making friends with everyone's enemy could lead to complex and delicate alliances. Such alliances may require careful navigation and diplomacy, as interests and objectives can differ among various parties involved.

2. Perceived as untrustworthy: By aligning with everyone's enemy, others may perceive you as opportunistic or lacking principles. People might question your loyalty and trustworthiness.

3. Conflict escalation: Aligning with everyone's enemy may contribute to an escalation of conflicts and tensions, especially if it involves choosing sides in long-standing disputes.

4. Ethical considerations: Some enemies may be antagonistic for valid reasons, such as engaging in harmful actions or promoting ideologies that go against basic human rights and values. Forming friendships with such individuals or groups might raise ethical dilemmas.

5. Potential backstabbing: Depending on the nature of the alliances, there might be a risk of being betrayed by one of the parties involved, which could lead to unfavorable outcomes for you or your friends.

Overall, forming alliances based solely on a common enemy can be a precarious strategy. It's essential to consider the broader context, the motivations of each party involved, and the potential consequences of such alliances.

In the real world, international relations and alliances are much more complex and involve multiple factors, including shared values, common interests, and long-term objectives. Forming alliances based on shared principles and mutual benefits tends to be a more stable and sustainable approach.