What are the principles of Byzantine diplomacy?

Based on this passage, the following principles of Byzantine diplomacy can be distinguished:
– Vasilevs secured himself and his empire by friendship with the Pechenegs and warned his opponents (Russians and Hungarians) that they should not be at enmity with him, because the Pechenegs would stand up to protect him. But Vasilevs did not mind if, in turn, the Pechenegs wanted to attack the Russians and Hungarians.
Can any of these principles be applied in contemporary relations between states? Argument your opinion.
– Yes they can. For example, small modern countries under attack may also form an alliance with a stronger country, which, in a dangerous situation, will come to their defense.