Throughout the rise and fall of empires, elements remain constant. The desire for self preservation. The likelihood of having a run away financial policy.

Today maybe it’s: Working out. Listening to a friend. Going to bed on time. Having grace for yourself. What will it be tomorrow?

When the cost is higher than the benefit, generally that’s a trade to be avoided. You don’t start the conversation. You don’t put yourself at risk. And there are occasions where avoiding those trades is warranted.

A few options:

What conditions create the greatest risk of military wars? When military powers are roughly comparable, which leads to perception on both side that the other side could be defeated. When there are irreconcilable and existential differences, think Hitler esk vendettas.