Quote:
Originally Posted by MMM
I think your examples are a little extreme here as well. If Japan were invaded by N. Korea next week, France would have a hard time, I think, saying, "We tried to talk to them. They didn't listen. Good luck!" That would be especially if other allies were rallying to help.
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Not really. What I'm saying is that nations will do what is best in their national interest, regardless of alliance treaties - usually they go along with it because it
is in their national interest. In your example, France will only have a "hard" time because not going along with your "friends" obviously has adverse consequences - other things remaining equal. But if there were in France, currently more pressing concerns, these consequences (e.g. deterioration in international standing and reduced potential for future economic partnerships) may become secondary. It's all a balancing exercise. If they were currently faced with projected financial deficits for the next five decades and uncontrolled domestic riots or something then I can't see France committing any serious resources to a war effort on the other side of the globe.