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I am not fond of the Germans by any means but at the present time it is more advantageous to use them than to challenge them. An independent Poland is very dangerous to Soviet Russia: it is an evil which, however, at the present time has also its redeeming features; for while it exists, we may safely count on Germany, because the Germans hate Poland and will at any time make common cause with us in order to strangle Poland. ... Everything teaches us to look upon Germany as our most reliable ally. Germany wants revenge, and we want revolution. For the moment our aims are the same. When our ways part they will be our most ferocious and our great enemies. Time will tell whether a German hegemony or a Communist federation is to arise out of the ruins of Europe.

Vladimir Lenin#66

PoliticsHistoryStrategyAllianceDiplomacyGermany

About this quote

What does it mean?
Lenin sees a temporary alliance with Germany as useful against Poland, but warns it will become hostile later.
In plain terms
Use Germany now, but expect future conflict.
What can you take from it?
Strategic alliances can be short‑term and later turn adversarial.

Where it applies

  • foreign policy
  • military strategy

Putting it to work

  • form temporary coalitions
  • plan for long‑term fallout

Questions to consider

  • How reliable are temporary alliances?
  • What safeguards can prevent future enmity?

Another view

The view assumes static national interests and neglects internal dynamics.

More from Vladimir Lenin

  1. Communism is Soviet government plus the electrification of the whole country.

    Permalink to quote #65
  2. When we say 'the state,' the state is we, it is we, it is the proletariat, it is the advanced guard of the working class.

    Permalink to quote #67
  3. From the vulgar bourgeois standpoint the terms of dictatoship and democracy are mutually exclusive. Failing to understand the theory of class struggle and accu…

    Permalink to quote #64

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