It pays to know the enemy - not least because at some time you may have the opportunity to turn him into a friend.

The remark frames political and strategic conflict as something best handled through informed realism rather than reflexive hostility. “Knowing the enemy” implies studying an opponent’s motives, constraints, and interests—intelligence that can prevent miscalculation and improve one’s negotiating position. The second clause shifts from confrontation to statecraft: today’s adversary may become tomorrow’s partner if circumstances change, so understanding and communication channels matter. The line also reflects a pragmatic view of diplomacy in which personal animus is secondary to outcomes, and where converting opposition into cooperation can be a mark of strength rather than weakness.