Alliances are described as transactional in the neutral sense that both partners must receive useful value from cooperation. If a larger ally only takes from a smaller one, or a smaller ally only consumes the larger power's resources, resentment eventually undermines the relationship. A deployable French carrier gives France a scarce capability it can contribute when American or other allied schedules have gaps. Shared standards matter because they let partners exchange concrete military support, which helps sustain the political relationship.
Notable Point · 41:41-42:53
Why alliances require reciprocal military value
Charles de Gaulle's ability to cover allied carrier gaps supports a wider argument that durable alliances depend on reciprocal contributions rather than one-sided obligation.