"منافع آمریکا دوستان و دشمنانش را تعیین می‌کند"

The essence of this quote is that the United States' foreign policies and alliances are guided primarily by its national interests. Rather than being based on abstract principles or moral considerations, these relationships hinge on what benefits America's strategic, economic, and political goals.

Historically, this perspective has been evident in various periods of American history. Take, for example, the Cold War era. During this time, America allied itself with nations that opposed the spread of communism, regardless of those nations' internal politics or human rights records. Think about the U.S. support for regimes in South Vietnam or even the complicated relationship with the Soviet Union during World War II. These alliances were not necessarily about shared values but about countering a common enemy.

Now, let’s ground this idea with a vivid example. Picture the alliance between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. Despite stark differences in governance and values—Saudi Arabia being a monarchy with a questionable human rights record—the U.S. has maintained a strategic partnership with the kingdom for decades. Why? It's about oil, regional stability, and countering influence from other powers, such as Iran. America’s energy needs and geopolitical interests have shaped this enduring, albeit complex, friendship.

If you’re wondering how to apply this wisdom in your own life, think about the importance of aligning your friendships and professional relationships with your core goals. It doesn’t mean you should be opportunistic or manipulative, but it’s about recognizing that, at times, we form relationships based on mutual interests. For instance, if you’re building a career in tech, it might benefit you to connect with mentors and peers in that field, even if you don’t see eye to eye on everything. It’s about the value they bring to your growth and vice versa.

Alright, let’s imagine a scenario to bring this idea home. Picture two college roommates, Sarah and Maria. Initially, they’re just thrown together by the housing office. Over time, they realize they have different interests—Sarah is passionate about environmental science, while Maria is into business management. Despite these differences, they both need each other. Sarah helps Maria understand the environmental impact of business practices, which becomes crucial for Maria’s thesis. In return, Maria helps Sarah pitch her eco-friendly projects to potential investors. Their relationship—though not founded on shared interests—becomes mutually beneficial. They learn to leverage their strengths for mutual gain, illustrating how aligning with others based on interests can be incredibly effective.

To sum up, America’s international relationships are a mirror reflecting its core interests. By understanding this, we can learn to foster our connections based on mutual benefits. It’s not about being cold or calculated—it’s about recognizing that, sometimes, our goals and interests can guide us to form the most productive and supportive relationships. So next time you’re navigating your own alliances, consider what you bring to the table and what you need in return. It’s a practical approach that can lead to some of the most rewarding partnerships in life.