Frequent Renegotiation and Non-Ratification of Treaties: The U.S. diplomatic history is marked by numerous instances where treaties were signed but not ratified, or where the U.S. reserved the right to renegotiate or withdraw—such as the failure to ratify the 1911 Reciprocity Treaty with Canada or the 1927 Naval Disarmament Conference in Geneva, which ended without agreement.
walk away
“We can always walk away.” This direct statement illustrates the American logic that participation in an agreement is voluntary and can be ended if it no longer serves one’s interests.
close or walk away
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992). Set in a high-pressure sales office, this movie depicts real estate agents in constant contact with clients and each other, always ready to close or walk away from deals. The focus is on results, not relationships or context, and the right to exit is exercised ruthlessly.
change course when necessary
Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber. Based on real events, this series dramatizes the rise of Uber and its founder’s approach to business agreements. It showcases rapid deal-making, constant negotiation, and a willingness to abandon partnerships or change course when necessary, reflecting the American logic of prioritizing results and adaptability.
Military Aid to Ukraine
Modern German Political Decision-Making (e.g. Military Aid to Ukraine): Recent decisions, such as sending military aid to Ukraine or providing German-made tanks, have been characterized by lengthy internal debate and demands for contextual clarity. Germany’s government typically seeks broad consensus among coalition partners and ministries, and only acts after extensive information gathering and negotiation. Allies often note Germany’s hesitancy, but when a decision is finally made, it is highly committed and rarely reversed.
get a dog
Wall Street (1987). The film’s protagonist, Bud Fox, and corporate raider Gordon Gekko engage in a series of business deals where alliances are fluid, context is kept minimal, and loyalty is secondary to opportunity. The famous line, “If you need a friend, get a dog,” underscores the transactional, exit-ready mindset prevalent in American business culture.
transactional and ruthless
There Will Be Blood (2007). Daniel Plainview’s business dealings are transactional and ruthless. He enters agreements with landowners and partners, only to break or manipulate them for personal gain. The film critiques the destructive consequences of this approach, both for individuals and communities.
made and unmade
Silicon Valley. This comedy series follows tech entrepreneurs navigating the startup world. Agreements—whether with investors, partners, or competitors—are frequently made and unmade, with characters constantly adapting to new information and shifting alliances. The series depicts a culture where ongoing contact and the ability to pivot or exit deals are crucial.
verbal vs. written
In the United States, a verbal agreement can be legally binding under certain circumstances. Contract law in the U.S. is governed by state laws as well as the principles outlined in the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and common law precedents. For a verbal agreement to be legally enforceable, it must meet specific criteria, including offer and acceptance, consideration, and mutual intent to enter into a binding agreement. However, the enforceability of verbal agreements can vary based on the nature and value of the agreement.
Certain types of agreements, however, must be in writing to be legally enforceable. This requirement is based on the Statute of Frauds, which mandates that certain contracts must be in writing to prevent fraud and misunderstandings. Examples of such agreements include contracts involving the sale of real estate, agreements that cannot be performed within one year, contracts for the sale of goods valued over a certain amount as specified by the UCC, and agreements to pay someone else’s debt.
While verbal agreements are generally enforceable, proving the existence and specific terms of such agreements can be challenging. Courts may require clear and convincing evidence to substantiate a verbal contract. Testimonies, witness statements, and other forms of corroborative evidence can be considered, but the lack of written documentation often complicates enforcement.
Culturally, Americans may be more open to negotiating and entering into verbal agreements than in some other countries. However, in business and legal contexts, written contracts are typically preferred to minimize ambiguities and provide a tangible record of the agreed terms. While the law may recognize verbal agreements as binding, written agreements remain the standard practice, particularly in high-value transactions or complex contractual arrangements.
Said and done
In general Germans place very high value on reliability. Colleagues who keep their word are considered to be treu (constant, faithful, loyal). A Ja from a reliable person means I really can count on that person.
Germans are particularly aware of the importance of this virtue in their culture. They expect commitments of any kind to be kept. Zuverlässigkeit ist Gold wert – reliability is as valuable as gold.
Ein Mann, ein Wort – one man (person), one word – is a sought-after character trait in Germany, in both the work environment and the private sphere. A quick, but not fully reliable, Ja is considered to be of low value.
Gesagt, getan – said and done. Germans expect words to be put into action. Versprochen ist versprochen und wird nicht gebrochen– promised is promised, and will not be broken. Germans are determined to keep their promises. Ein Ja ist ein Ja – a yes is a yes. Once said, it should be kept.