"Confidence-building is not something that can go on forever. If it goes on forever then it becomes counterproductive"

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s words point to the nuanced role of confidence-building measures in personal relationships, politics, and international affairs. The idea behind such measures is to create trust, alleviate suspicion, and clear obstacles that prevent effective communication or collaboration. However, her statement warns that while building confidence is essential, it must have a timeline, an end goal, and a transition into decisive action; otherwise, the process itself can become a stumbling block.

Endlessly focusing on confidence-building risks creating an environment of perpetual caution and hesitation. If parties become overly comfortable with the preliminary phase, they may avoid tackling core issues, fearing the possible fallout from confronting deeper disagreements. Thus, excessive confidence-building can reinforce a status quo where real problems are skirted around rather than resolved. Prolonging this phase may also lead to skepticism: one side may perceive the other's reluctance to move forward as insincerity or manipulation, eroding whatever trust has been built.

Moreover, there is a psychological component involved. Genuine trust requires not only reassurances and gestures but also clarity, transparency, and eventually, concrete actions. Confidence can be nurtured by openness, but it is cemented by follow-through. If the energy expended on preparatory gestures is never translated into commitment or practical decision-making, the effectiveness of confidence-building declines, and the parties risk becoming stuck in a loop of unresolved ambiguity.

The statement highlights the delicate balance between sufficient groundwork and timely progression. Trust-building should not be rushed, but neither should it become an excuse for inaction. The ultimate aim is to use confidence as a foundation for meaningful change, negotiation, or integration, not as an end unto itself. The real achievement lies in knowing when to pivot, moving from assurance to action and thus realizing the potential that trust was meant to unlock.