"This means that the search for a formula of European cooperation in connection with the League of Nations, far from weakening the authority of this latter must and can only tend to strengthen it, for it is closely connected with its aims"

Aristide Briand, a key figure in early 20th-century European diplomacy, provided a vision of European cooperation that improves the authority of the League of Nations instead of undermines it. Evaluating his quote exposes a multi-layered understanding of global relations and collective security throughout the interwar period.

Briand emphasizes the idea that efforts to foster European cooperation ought to naturally line up with and strengthen the goals of the League of Nations. The League, established after World War I, aimed to keep world peace and prevent future conflicts through collective security and diplomatic settlement. Briand recommends that regional efforts-- like those focused on Europe-- should not be viewed as separate from or competitive with the League, however as complementary. By specifying that this cooperation is "carefully connected with its goals", he highlights that the assisting concepts of the League-- cooperation, peace, and security-- should also be main to any regional initiative.

Additionally, Briand's declaration reflects a tactical vision where reinforcing local alliances within the structure of the League could enhance its legitimacy and efficiency. This concept was particularly pertinent throughout a time when the League faced challenges from rising nationalism and the hesitation of some major powers to fully devote to cumulative security. By promoting local cooperation as an extension of the League's ideals, Briand appears to advocate for a form of multilateralism that could adapt to local uniqueness while still adhering to universal concepts of peace and cooperation.

Eventually, Briand's quote can be viewed as an early recommendation of a layered technique to international diplomacy, where local and international efforts are synergistic. This shows a nuanced understanding that the success of the League's more comprehensive mission could be realized better through adjoined and mutually enhancing efforts at various levels, therefore assisting to strengthen peace in a landscape still delicate from the shadows of past disputes.