Attack When Near, Befriend When Distant…
You should never engage an enemy because of the uncertainty of conducting operations across some intervening territory not under your control.
During the Warring States Period which lasted over 500 years, China was divided into 7 states each ruled by an independent monarch. In 221 B.C. the strongest of the 7, Chin, accomplished the conquest of the others by having them think their relationship with him was special.
Hitler used the same strategy in Europe in the months leading up to World War II.
In exchange for promises that the fury of the Nazi Blitzkrieg would not be levelled at them, nations were induced to abandon traditional allies to German aggression.
Neville Chamberlain the British Prime Minister thought he was buying ‘peace for our time’ at the cost of betraying the Czeck’s.
The Russians secured a few months of peace by allowing German tanks to roll across Poland. Each country thought that although he had lied to everyone else Hitler would keep his word to them.
It’s the same in the business world. If you see an ally betray its other allies, don’t assume that your relationship is so special with them.
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