Common enemy

A common enemy unites. But it is also a risky setup and will drain energy from achieving the goal.

Here we have two countries A and B with a common enemy C. The red lines to C illustrated "opposed" or conflict and tension.

Country A have a goal - to achieve A(2). And of course it will get help from country B - since B also is enemy of C.  In order for this setup to hold A now have to:

• Watch the relation with C. Prepare to attach or defend.
• Continue to work with B and encourage the A-B-relation.
• and also make sure that Country C remain enemy to B

So A have to spend energy on many things in order to continue to operate (emphasized with blue):

Having an energy drains energy. But as illustrated, having a common enemy drains more energy!

You might not be able to avoid enemies - but keep them few. And to not create a setup where you rely on having "common enemy". You will waste energy and focus. And risk is always there that it will collapse into:

Here B has instead joined C. A do not have any allies - only enemies. And no help to reach the goal. Playing the game with "common enemy" can put you int the place of being the common enemy. It is a delicate balancing act.


Best setup in the above is of course:

Here A will get help from both B and C to reach the goal. And no energy is wasted at all. Maybe a sort of Utopia - but certainly the best to aim for.


Imagine also the original setup when Country D comes into play. What allies, enemies and boundaries will be created?  How much energy wil be wasted just to maintain a setup including enemies?

Summary:
- Avoid creating enemies
- If you have to have enemies: Avoid having "common enemy" (will drain extra energy!)