Every state acts in accordance with its own national interests; therefore, no one should harbor the illusion that one country will labor for the benefit of another and sacrifice its own interests in its favor—such is the reality underpinning international politics, Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze stated at a briefing at the government administration, as reported by the news agency IPN.
According to the Prime Minister, states maintain friendships, cooperate, and build partnerships only where and when it serves their own interests.
“A number of statements and assessments made recently in connection with the 18th anniversary of the August 2008 war have sparked a serious public debate. Particularly notable were attempts, alongside evaluating the events of 2008, to examine the historical decisions of King Irakli II through the lens of today’s political and ideological climate. Against the backdrop of these statements and the controversy surrounding them, I consider it necessary, taking into account both historical and contemporary realities, to discuss state interests, the challenges facing Georgia, and the decisions that have determined and continue to determine the fate of our country.
To begin with, from the dawn of statehood to the present day, every state acts primarily in accordance with its national interests. Therefore, no one should be under the illusion that one country will work for the benefit of another and compromise its own interests in its favor. This is the very reality underpinning international politics. States seek to leverage bilateral relations to advance and consolidate their interests. Sometimes this takes the form of cooperation, and sometimes coercion—through political, economic, or other forms of influence.
This is one of the fundamental principles of international relations—an exceptionless formula that has applied throughout the entire history of state existence. Consequently, whether we like it or not, we must accept this reality and view international politics without illusions, as states are friends, cooperate, and act as partners only where and when it serves their interests,” the Prime Minister stated.
