“Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses; they last while they last.”
- November 22, 1890 – November 9, 1970
- French
- Military Leader, Statesman, President of France, Founder of the Fifth Republic
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Quote
“Treaties, you see, are like girls and roses; they last while they last.”
Explanation
This variation of a well-known quote by Charles de Gaulle conveys his pragmatic and skeptical view of international agreements. By likening treaties to “girls and roses,” he emphasizes their fragility and impermanence, suggesting that they are often based on circumstances, emotions, or appearances rather than enduring principles. The phrase “they last while they last” reinforces the idea that no treaty is immune to change, betrayal, or obsolescence—a blunt reminder that geopolitics is governed by shifting interests, not lasting friendships.
De Gaulle’s historical actions reflect this belief. He consistently prioritized France’s sovereignty and strategic autonomy over loyalty to formal alliances. His decisions to recognize Communist China in 1964, withdraw from NATO’s integrated military command, and develop an independent nuclear force all illustrate a doctrine in which national interest overrides diplomatic convention. For de Gaulle, treaties were tools—not commitments to be honored at the cost of national dignity or security.
Today, this quote resonates in a world where treaties and alliances are frequently renegotiated, ignored, or broken. It serves as a caution against naive idealism in diplomacy and reminds policymakers that trust in international relations must always be tempered with realism. De Gaulle’s words invite reflection on the limits of formal agreements and the enduring importance of vigilance, adaptability, and national self-reliance in global affairs.
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