I'm the cynic. I have learned that people have a tendency to talk themselves into believing what they want is what everyone else must have. It's not because they are evil, or dishonest, or stupid, but because it is human nature. And I would be a fool if I insisted I myself was immune from this very human foible.

My post was strictly about domestic politics, but since you bring it up...International neutrality is a good thing, but it can be cynical too. Switzerland (and Sweden) were both neutral in WWII, but it was a combination of luck and skill, and looking out for number one.

Both countries were well-armed, had defendable terrain and could put up a good fight if the Nazis invaded, but neither could they defeat the Wehrmacht if it was determined to attack. So neutrality, at least while Germany was busy elsewhere, was possible for the time being.

Their neutrality was also assured by the fact they had no strategic value for the Axis. Even so, Sweden allowed free passage of German forces to the East. Switzerland was completely surrounded by the Axis, it posed no threat to them. And both countries traded extensively with Hitler.

Spain was "neutral" too. It was the European equivalent of Pakistan, playing both sides against the middle. The Allies bought their neutrality by selling them cheap oil, which they turned around and sold to the Nazis at a profit. Now THAT is cynical.