Sanctions and negotiations can be very ineffective, and indeed foolish, unless the people you are talking with and negotiating with and trying to reach agreements with are people who can be trusted to keep their word.
Meaning of the quote
Sanctions and negotiations only work if the people you are talking to can be trusted to do what they say they will do. If you can't trust the people you are trying to reach an agreement with, then any sanctions or negotiations will not be effective and will be a waste of time.
About Caspar Weinberger
Caspar Weinberger was an American politician and businessman who served as Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan. He was indicted as part of the Iran-Contra investigation but was later pardoned. Weinberger had a long career in government, including roles at the Federal Trade Commission and as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
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