The argument begins from the realist proposition that countries have interests, while individuals have relationships. Socially isolated people and pariah states both lack trusted external reference points against which to test claims and behavior. Engagement can therefore reduce vulnerability by widening a state's contacts and choices. The caveat is that outreach may fail or be exploited, so governments must be prepared to withdraw it.
Notable Point · 8:28-11:36
Isolation makes states easier to manipulate
States pursue interests rather than personal relationships, yet isolation still deprives them of the external reference points that make manipulation easier to detect.