> Guarantees aren't what they used to be
Anyone that has read history knows that state leaders' promises are written in the wind. Throughout history, states have traditionally behaved like dishonorable people, because their leaders have been traditionally dishonorable. It's as if it was almost a requirement, no matter the form of government.
> their leaders have been traditionally dishonorable.
I suspect that is because the majority of people who would make good, honorable leaders of nations do not want the job.