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.
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.
League of Nations
U.S. Refusal to Join the League of Nations (1919): After World War I, President Woodrow Wilson negotiated the Treaty of Versailles, which included the League of Nations. However, the U.S. Senate refused to ratify the treaty, and the United States never joined the League, demonstrating a reluctance to commit to binding international agreements that could limit national autonomy.
Paris Climate Agreement
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement (2017): Although not in the search results, this modern example fits the pattern: the U.S. entered the Paris Agreement on climate change but later withdrew, asserting the right to exit when national interests were perceived to be at stake.
Renegotiation
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.
McDonald brothers
The Founder (2016). This film tells the story of Ray Kroc and the McDonald brothers. Kroc enters into an agreement with the brothers to franchise their restaurant, maintains constant contact as the business grows, but ultimately finds ways to change the terms and force the original owners out. The movie highlights how agreements can be transactional, with parties reserving the right to alter or exit arrangements when it suits their interests.