दण्डवतो मित्रं मित्रभावे तिष्ठति अमित्रो वा मित्रभावे ॥ कZ_०८.१.५६ ॥
daṇḍavato mitraṃ mitrabhāve tiṣṭhati amitro vā mitrabhāve
For one who possesses coercive power, an ally remains in the posture of friendship—and even an enemy may adopt the posture of friendship.
Alignment follows power and credible enforcement; friends stay loyal and enemies may feign or shift to friendliness when deterrence is strong.
As strategic compliance or opportunism; verify with intelligence and safeguards.