In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships

In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships

Alexis de Tocqueville, a renowned French political thinker and historian, once famously stated that "In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships." This statement holds a profound truth that is still relevant in today's political landscape.

In the realm of politics, alliances are often formed not just based on shared beliefs or values, but also on common enemies. This is because having a common adversary can create a sense of unity and solidarity among individuals or groups who may otherwise have little in common. When people come together to oppose a common foe, it can strengthen their bond and create a sense of camaraderie that transcends other differences.

This phenomenon can be seen throughout history, where political movements and parties have often been united by their opposition to a particular individual, ideology, or group. For example, during the Cold War, the United States and its allies formed alliances with countries that shared their hatred of communism, despite having different political systems and values. Similarly, in more recent times, political parties in various countries have come together to oppose populist leaders or extremist groups, finding common ground in their disdain for these threats to democracy and stability.

However, while shared hatreds can indeed forge friendships in politics, they can also be a double-edged sword. When alliances are based solely on opposition to a common enemy, they can be fragile and prone to collapse once that enemy is no longer perceived as a threat. This can lead to infighting and division within political movements, as different factions may have diverging interests and priorities once the external threat is removed.