Friendship as a political practice: 'It needs stable relations, not correct ones'

In recent years, political scientist María do Mar Castro Varela has been exploring the evolving role of friendship within political discourse, particularly in light of current global challenges. In collaboration with Bahar Oghalai, she co-authored a book titled Freundschaft als politische Praxis, which examines how personal relationships can shape and stabilize international relations. The work emerged from her initial hesitation to engage with the concept of “Allyship,” a term often used in political contexts to describe alliances between nations or individuals. While familiar with its usage, Castro Varela found the term lacking warmth and emotional resonance, prompting her to delve deeper into the idea of genuine, stable friendships as a foundation for political cooperation. The book argues that in an era marked by polarization and distrust, traditional diplomatic strategies, often rooted in formal agreements and strategic calculations, have proven insufficient. Instead, Castro Varela emphasizes the importance of cultivating long-term, trust-based relationships that transcend mere transactional interactions. She suggests that such bonds, built on mutual respect and shared values, can foster more resilient and enduring partnerships. This perspective aligns with broader discussions in political theory about the limitations of purely rationalist approaches to diplomacy and the potential benefits of incorporating humanistic elements into policy-making. Castro Varela’s insights were shaped by her experience delivering a lecture on Allyship, during which she encountered difficulties articulating the concept in ways that felt authentic. While the term is commonly associated with political alliances, she found it detached from the emotional and relational dimensions that underpin meaningful connections. Her research led her to explore historical examples of successful international collaborations that relied heavily on personal ties rather than institutional mechanisms alone. These cases, she notes, highlight how sustained friendships among leaders can help navigate complex geopolitical landscapes and mitigate conflicts. The discussion took place in Germany, where Castro Varela teaches at the Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin. Her academic environment encourages interdisciplinary thinking, allowing her to draw upon both political science and sociology to examine the intersection of personal relationships and public life. The book itself reflects this multidisciplinary approach, blending theoretical analysis with real-world case studies. It also engages with contemporary debates around identity, solidarity, and the ethical responsibilities of political actors in an interconnected world. Critics have pointed out that while the emphasis on friendship offers a compelling alternative to conventional diplomacy, it risks romanticizing the role of personal relationships in politics. Some argue that relying too heavily on informal networks could undermine transparency and accountability. However, Castro Varela acknowledges these concerns and stresses that her argument is not a rejection of institutional frameworks but rather a call for their complementation with more human-centered approaches. She believes that fostering stability through personal connections can enhance the credibility and effectiveness of political initiatives. Looking ahead, Castro Varela plans to expand her research into comparative analyses of different political systems and cultural contexts. She is also interested in examining how digital communication technologies might influence the nature of political friendships in the future. As global challenges become increasingly intertwined, she maintains that building stable, trusting relationships remains essential to navigating the complexities of modern politics. Her work continues to spark conversations about the balance between strategy and sincerity, professionalism and intimacy, in the realm of international affairs.