Politics

When Enemies United: 12 Unexpected Pacts That Changed Nations

Darren - June 30, 2025

Throughout history, bitter foes have at times cast aside deep-seated rivalries, forging astonishing alliances that forever altered the fate of nations. These unexpected pacts, often born from necessity or shifting threats, have transformed political landscapes and redrawn borders. When enemies unite, their combined strength can tip the balance of power and spark profound change. This article explores twelve pivotal moments when historic adversaries joined hands, proving that sometimes, the most powerful forces for change emerge from the most unlikely unions.

NEXT >>

1. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (1939)

Few agreements stunned the world like the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union. Signed on the eve of World War II, this astonishing alliance allowed two sworn ideological enemies to carve up Eastern Europe in secret protocols. The pact set the stage for the invasion of Poland and triggered a chain reaction across the continent. Its audacity would be matched only by the later Cold War realignments that saw old enemies become uneasy partners once again.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

2. The United States and China Normalize Relations (1972)

In a move few thought possible, President Nixon’s historic visit to China in 1972 ended decades of icy hostility between the two nations. This bold diplomatic overture redefined the global order, as two former adversaries found common cause in counterbalancing Soviet power. The normalization of relations not only shifted the dynamics of the Cold War but also paved the way for China’s emergence onto the world stage, forever changing international politics.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

3. The Camp David Accords (1978)

After decades of warfare, Egypt and Israel stunned the world by signing the Camp David Accords, brokered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. This landmark agreement marked the first time an Arab nation recognized Israel, establishing a roadmap for peace in the Middle East. The accords not only ended hostilities between the two countries but also set a precedent for future Arab-Israeli negotiations, proving that even the deepest animosities can yield to diplomacy.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

4. The Franco-German Reconciliation (1963)

Centuries of hostility ended when France and Germany signed the Élysée Treaty in 1963, pledging cooperation and friendship. This remarkable transformation from fierce adversaries to close partners laid the groundwork for lasting European peace. Their alliance became the cornerstone of European integration, ultimately leading to the formation of the European Union. The Franco-German partnership stands as a testament to how reconciliation can shape a continent’s destiny.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

5. The Good Friday Agreement (1998)

After years of bitter conflict known as the Troubles, unionist and nationalist leaders in Northern Ireland forged the Good Friday Agreement. This landmark peace pact, backed by the British and Irish governments and mediated by President Bill Clinton, brought an end to decades of violence and sectarian division. The agreement introduced power-sharing and new political frameworks, demonstrating how even entrenched enemies can move toward lasting peace. Its success has become a global model for conflict resolution and reconciliation in deeply divided societies.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

6. The Rapprochement Between the US and Vietnam (1995)

In a remarkable turn, the United States and Vietnam normalized relations in 1995, just two decades after their devastating war. What began as a diplomatic thaw gradually blossomed into robust economic partnership and strategic cooperation in Asia. Today, the two former enemies collaborate on trade, security, and regional stability, illustrating how even the deepest wounds can heal with time and vision. Their journey from battlefield foes to pragmatic allies is a powerful story of renewal.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

7. The Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

Fierce maritime rivals, Spain and Portugal stunned Europe by signing the Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided newly discovered lands outside the continent. Brokered by the Pope, this unprecedented pact sought to prevent conflict as both powers raced to explore and colonize the world. The treaty drew an imaginary line across the globe, profoundly shaping the map of the Americas and beyond. It established a colonial order that would influence international relations for centuries.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

8. The Axis Pact (Tripartite Pact, 1940)

In 1940, Italy, Germany, and Japan—each dominant in their own spheres—set aside mutual suspicions to form the Axis Powers through the Tripartite Pact. This military alliance aimed to deter the United States and expand their influence across Europe and Asia. Though each nation had its own ambitions, their cooperation unleashed a global conflict with far-reaching consequences. The Axis Pact demonstrated how rival powers can unite when their goals briefly align, reshaping the course of history.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

9. The Anglo-Japanese Alliance (1902)

Once cautious of one another, Britain and Japan surprised the world by forming the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in 1902. This strategic pact aimed to check Russian expansion in East Asia, signaling a major realignment in international relations. The alliance not only enhanced Japan’s status as an emerging power but also marked Britain’s first formal partnership outside Europe in centuries. Global power dynamics shifted, laying groundwork for future alliances and rivalries in the region.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

10. The Soviet-Afghan Friendship Treaty (1978)

In 1978, the USSR and Afghanistan signed a Friendship Treaty, pledging mutual support and cooperation. This surprising pact reflected Moscow’s desire to expand its influence in South Asia and Afghanistan’s eagerness for modernization. The alliance soon unraveled, plunging both nations into a protracted and devastating conflict. Still, the treaty stands as a reminder of the unpredictability and complexity of regional alliances in the shifting landscape of Cold War politics.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

11. The Oslo Accords (1993)

The signing of the Oslo Accords marked a groundbreaking moment as Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) recognized each other for the first time. This courageous step toward peace sparked global optimism, representing a fragile bridge in a region long torn by conflict. While the road ahead proved challenging, the accords remain a powerful symbol of what can happen when sworn adversaries choose dialogue over violence and take risks for a better future.

<< Previous

NEXT >>

12. The US-Saudi Oil Pact (1945)

In 1945, the United States and Saudi Arabia set aside vast cultural and political differences to forge a pivotal oil-for-security alliance. This partnership, sealed aboard a U.S. warship, established American access to Saudi oil in exchange for military protection. The pact dramatically shaped global energy markets and Middle Eastern geopolitics for generations. It stands as a vivid example of how strategic interests can unite even the most unlikely partners on the world stage.

<< Previous