During his 1946 visit to the United States, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill lost a significant amount of money playing poker with US President Harry Truman and his advisors. Churchill later humorously remarked that this loss was the best investment of his life. The underlying meaning of this statement was clear – he willingly lost the poker game to appease the American president and his advisors, preserving the crucial support and strong relationship that Britain received from the United States during World War II.

In politics, it is essential to satisfy leaders of superpowers to maintain favorable relations, as the ideals of justice and democracy promoted by the West often hinge on leaders’ whims and fancies. Churchill’s sarcastic comment highlights the reality of world politics. The United States, as a global power with the largest military and a robust economy, influences the world order. For weaker and even stronger nations, the key lies in establishing close ties with the US, working on communication and improving relations. This is the essence of realpolitik today.

To achieve gains for their countries and people, leaders should adopt Churchill’s approach, prioritizing investments over empty slogans. Bragging and slogans, at the expense of capabilities and reality, only jeopardize the nation and its people’s hopes. Superpowers do not demand the sale of one’s country or hinder its development. Even if a request is refused, they won’t become enemies. What leaders need to learn is from those who gained respect and security for their countries by engaging in fruitful investments.

Today, our nation stands at a crossroads. Some advocate for hollow slogans, urging leaders to fight against America for the sake of national dignity, while the people’s dignity suffers daily. Others encourage leaders to engage in politics and civilized communication with global leaders to advance the interests of their countries and people. Maintaining dignity is not compromised by communication; ignorance and trading in slogans, however, can result in significant losses. Leaders should focus on informed diplomacy and cooperation rather than falling prey to empty rhetoric.

[email protected]