This is how the cynical game of international alliances works.
But what is an alliance?
A temporary contract. A convergence of interests. Nothing more.
➡️ Popular narratives suggest alliances are based on shared values, common morals. The truth is colder: alliances are merely pragmatic calculations.
And this cynicism isn't limited to relationships between states.
"Billiard Ball Theory": the cold logic of international relations
When I was a Masters student in Sciences Po, I studied International Relations theories. Among them all, one particularly caught my attention, the Billiard ball.
The "Billiard Ball" theory in IR was introduced by political scientist Arnold Wolfers. It states that each state behaves like a solid, uniform billiard ball. These "balls" interact purely through collisions driven by their individual interests, just like when playing pool.
No morality, no emotion.
Just trajectories and collisions.
On a macro scale, states constantly shift alliances based on strategic interests.
Notable examples:
- The U.S. and USSR alliance during World War II, ideological foes united temporarily against a common enemy.
- Fragile Middle Eastern alliances today, where former adversaries collaborate against common threats like Iran or ISIS.
