The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli (Chapter 21 - Gaining Honours) "Machiavelli also notes that it is wise for a prince not to ally with a stronger force unless compelled to do so" Why?

Apexk9 · 2015-12-06T03:08:36+00:00

Because you become their bitch.

If you have 3 allies with weaker armies you can make the major decisions if you're an ally with a stronger entity you think they will listen too you.

[deleted] · 2015-12-06T04:12:26+00:00

The chinese have a saying that would help you with understanding this. "Better to be the head of a dog than the tail of a phoenix."

It's better to spearhead your own organization/work than to be an insignificant cog in a better organization.

Squeezymypenisy · 2015-12-06T08:07:24+00:00

Its a good principle and my guess is he gleaned from french intervention. During the italian wars the french invaded numerous times and would betray their smaller italian allies. Alliances would shift multiple times between the great northen european powers and the italian city states. You could also use the british as an example. They often allied with smaller factions to oppose larger ones.

cuteman · 2015-12-06T06:37:51+00:00

Hegemony