Alliance. In international politics, the union of two thieves who have their hands so deeply inserted in each other's pockets that they cannot separately plunder a third.

Summary

This quote humorously highlights the opportunistic nature of political alliances. It suggests that alliances often involve two deceitful parties who work together to exploit a third party or gain mutual benefits. The metaphor of thieves with their hands deeply inserted in each other's pockets signifies the deep level of interdependence between the allies, making it difficult for them to betray each other without suffering consequences themselves. Overall, the quote reflects a skeptical perspective on alliances, emphasizing the self-interest that often underlies international political partnerships.