There can be no other criterion, no other standard than gold. Yes, gold which never changes, which can be shaped into ingots, bars, coins, which has no nationality and which is eternally and universally accepted as the unalterable fiduciary value par excellence.
In war, the policy of least exertion always risks being paid for dearly.
China is a big country, inhabited by many Chinese.
France has no friends, only interests.
Authority doesn't work without prestige, or prestige without distance.
Diplomats are useful only in fair weather. As soon as it rains they drown in every drop.