Treaties are like roses and young girls. They last while they last

Treaties are like roses and young girls. They last while they last

Charles de Gaulle, the iconic French statesman and military leader, was known for his strong stance on treaties and international agreements. His famous quote, "Treaties are like roses and young girls. They last while they last," reflects his pragmatic and realistic view on the nature of diplomatic agreements.

De Gaulle understood that treaties, like roses, are beautiful and delicate creations that require care and attention to flourish. Just as roses eventually wither and fade, treaties are not permanent fixtures in the world of international relations. They are subject to the changing tides of politics, economics, and power dynamics. De Gaulle recognized that treaties are only as strong as the parties involved and the circumstances under which they were negotiated.

De Gaulle's comparison of treaties to young girls is also telling. Like young girls, treaties are full of promise and potential, but they are also vulnerable and easily influenced. They require nurturing and protection to thrive. De Gaulle understood that treaties, like young girls, can be easily swayed by external forces and must be handled with care and caution.

Throughout his political career, de Gaulle was known for his skepticism towards international agreements that he believed did not serve the best interests of France. He famously withdrew France from the NATO military command in 1966, asserting French sovereignty and independence in foreign policy matters. De Gaulle's actions reflected his belief that treaties should not be entered into lightly and that they must be constantly reassessed and reevaluated to ensure they continue to serve the national interest.

De Gaulle's quote about treaties being like roses and young girls is a reminder that diplomatic agreements are not static entities, but living documents that require constant attention and vigilance. Like roses, treaties can be beautiful and beneficial, but they can also be fragile and fleeting. De Gaulle's pragmatic approach to treaties serves as a valuable lesson for policymakers and diplomats today, reminding them to approach international agreements with caution and foresight.