Meaning: The quote "All treaties between great states cease to be binding when they come in conflict with the struggle for existence" is attributed to Otto von Bismarck, a prominent Prussian statesman and the first Chancellor of the German Empire. This quote reflects Bismarck's realpolitik approach to international relations, emphasizing the primacy of national interest and survival in the context of great power politics.

Otto von Bismarck is known for his role in the unification of Germany and his adept maneuvering in European diplomacy during the 19th century. He believed in the use of practical and realistic strategies to achieve and maintain national power and security. In this context, the quote underscores the idea that in times of existential threat or struggle for survival, the commitments and obligations laid out in treaties between powerful nations may become secondary to the imperative of self-preservation.

Bismarck's views on international relations were shaped by the turbulent and competitive environment of 19th-century Europe, characterized by shifting alliances, territorial disputes, and the rise of nationalism. His policies were guided by a pragmatic understanding of power dynamics and a willingness to pursue alliances or confrontations based on the immediate interests of the German state.

In the context of this quote, Bismarck's emphasis on the "struggle for existence" reflects his belief that the fundamental goal of a state is to ensure its own survival and security. This concept aligns with the realist school of international relations, which posits that states are primarily driven by self-interest and the pursuit of power in an anarchic international system.

The quote also sheds light on Bismarck's skepticism towards the long-term durability of international treaties and agreements, particularly in times of upheaval or crisis. Bismarck's own diplomatic maneuvers often involved strategic calculations that prioritized national interests over formal treaty obligations, as demonstrated in his orchestration of the Franco-Prussian War and the subsequent unification of Germany.

Moreover, Bismarck's assertion that treaties cease to be binding when they conflict with the struggle for existence reflects a hard-nosed approach to statecraft, where the exigencies of power and security take precedence over legal or moral considerations. This viewpoint underscores the notion that the international order is inherently characterized by power struggles and that the dynamics of conflict and competition can override the constraints of established agreements.

In conclusion, the quote by Otto von Bismarck encapsulates his pragmatic and realpolitik approach to international relations, emphasizing the paramountcy of national interest and survival in the context of great power politics. It reflects his belief in the transient nature of treaties and the prioritization of state security in the tumultuous landscape of 19th-century Europe. Bismarck's enduring influence on the practice of diplomacy and the conduct of international relations continues to be reflected in contemporary discussions of power politics and the pursuit of national interests in a complex and competitive global arena.