Quote by Kautilya: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

This famous strategic maxim highlights a pragmatic approach to alliances in geopolitics. It suggests that shared adversaries can create temporary or strategic friendships, even between otherwise unaligned parties. This emphasizes a calculated, rather than moral, basis for international relations, focusing on common threats.

The Arthashastra contains detailed strategies for statecraft, diplomacy, and warfare. Kautilya's advice on forming alliances was highly practical, urging rulers to exploit the weaknesses and rivalries of other kingdoms to secure their own power and expand their influence in ancient India.

Ancient Indian philosopher, economist, and royal advisor who lived approximately 350–275 BCE. He served as chief minister to the emperor Chandragupta Maurya and authored the Arthashastra, a comprehensive treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. He is sometimes called the Indian Machiavelli.