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* ''Literature/TheScholomance'': In MagicalSociety, the majority of political power is concentrated in the enclaves, which are more-or-less magical city-states located in [[PocketDimension pocket dimensions]].
** Type A is represented by the New York enclave, which has been the dominant power in the magical world since roughly World War II after they took over the maintenance of the titular school from the London enclave.
** Type B is represented by the Shanghai enclave, which has been gradually rising to prominence and power ever since it was restored forty years ago by Li Shan Zheng.
** Type C are the majority of the enclaves of the western world, who are primarily allies of the New York enclaves, while Type D are the eastern enclaves, many of which were sponsored by the Shanghai enclave and are thus their allies.
** Technically, there is no 'E', as there aren't enough independent enclaves to tip the balance towards either of the two, though that position can easily be fulfilled by a once-in-a-generation talent like Orion or El, who are both powerful enough to destroy enclaves entirely on their own given enough mana.
** While this doesn't come into play in the first book, it ''does'' come into play in the second after the recently-arrived freshmen in El's senior year reveal that the Bangkok enclave has just been destroyed, and no one knows who is responsible. While it's entirely possible that Bangkok fell due to a mal attack or through some over-ambitious development of magical weaponry, it's also entirely possible they were taken down by another enclave. And if ''that'' is the case, there's no way that enclave would've done that without New York's tacit support, as Bangkok is one of Shanghai's allies. As such a thing usually precipitates a full-on enclave war, this causes a lot of tension between the New York and Shanghai enclavers within the school, which El finds herself in the middle of thanks to her close association with the former through Orion and Chloe.
** Type A is represented by the New York enclave, which has been the dominant power in the magical world since roughly World War II after they took over the maintenance of the titular school from the London enclave.
** Type B is represented by the Shanghai enclave, which has been gradually rising to prominence and power ever since it was restored forty years ago by Li Shan Zheng.
** Type C are the majority of the enclaves of the western world, who are primarily allies of the New York enclaves, while Type D are the eastern enclaves, many of which were sponsored by the Shanghai enclave and are thus their allies.
** Technically, there is no 'E', as there aren't enough independent enclaves to tip the balance towards either of the two, though that position can easily be fulfilled by a once-in-a-generation talent like Orion or El, who are both powerful enough to destroy enclaves entirely on their own given enough mana.
** While this doesn't come into play in the first book, it ''does'' come into play in the second after the recently-arrived freshmen in El's senior year reveal that the Bangkok enclave has just been destroyed, and no one knows who is responsible. While it's entirely possible that Bangkok fell due to a mal attack or through some over-ambitious development of magical weaponry, it's also entirely possible they were taken down by another enclave. And if ''that'' is the case, there's no way that enclave would've done that without New York's tacit support, as Bangkok is one of Shanghai's allies. As such a thing usually precipitates a full-on enclave war, this causes a lot of tension between the New York and Shanghai enclavers within the school, which El finds herself in the middle of thanks to her close association with the former through Orion and Chloe.
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* ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'': The origin system is ruled by [[TheEmpire The Grineer]] and [[MegaCorp The Corpus]]. The two are roughly equal in power, so they usually use their might to leverage things whenever they get into a market dispute, as the Grineer happen to be the Corpus' largest customer. [[WeHelpTheHelpless The Tenno]], who are few in number but can decimate whole armies of either faction via one of their own, oppose both sides and assist the various smaller groups in the system who the Grineer and Corpus oppress. The fourth major faction, the Infested, want to eat everyone, [[GodzillaThreshold and thus whenever an Infested Outbreak occurs, everyone usually teams up to stop the plague monsters]]. The balance finally breaks down in ''The New War'', [[spoiler:where [[PrecursorKillers the Sentients]] (who have incredibly advanced {{Biotech|IsBetter}}nology and immeasureable numbers) invade the Origin System and [[OmnicidalManiac start killing]] '''''[[NotHyperbole everyone]]''''', forcing all of the factions in the Origin System to pull an EnemyMine just to survive]].
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* ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'': The origin system is ruled by [[TheEmpire The Grineer]] and [[MegaCorp The Corpus]]. The two are roughly equal in power, so they usually use their might to leverage things whenever they get into a market dispute, as the Grineer happen to be the Corpus' largest customer. [[WeHelpTheHelpless The Tenno]], who are few in number but can decimate whole armies of either faction via one of their own, oppose both sides and assist the various smaller groups in the system who the Grineer and Corpus oppress. The fourth major faction, the Infested, want to eat everyone, [[GodzillaThreshold and thus whenever an Infested Outbreak occurs, everyone usually teams up to stop the plague monsters]]. The balance finally breaks down in ''The New War'', [[spoiler:where [[DidntSeeThatComing but in a way none of the major powers of the system considered]]: [[spoiler:when a faction F, [[PrecursorKillers the Sentients]] (who have incredibly advanced {{Biotech|IsBetter}}nology and immeasureable numbers) invade invades the Origin System and [[OmnicidalManiac start killing]] '''''[[NotHyperbole everyone]]''''', forcing all of the factions in the Origin System to pull an EnemyMine just to survive]].
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* The foreign policy of the [[UsefulNotes/ImperialGermany German Empire]] from 1871 to 1890 was almost entirely built around this trope. The main goal of Reich Chancellor UsefulNotes/OttoVonBismarck was to diplomatically isolate France and at the same time prevent this from happening with Germany itself. He believed that if Paris succeeds in concluding an alliance with Russia and/or Austria-Hungary, then the German Empire simply will not be able to defend itself. As a consequence, Germany made a number of alliances with the Great Powers of Europe, mainly with Russia, Italy and Austria-Hungary. Such a system was supposed to prevent the emergence of a new major war in Europe (since without allies, France could not challenge Berlin), and at the same time, assert the dominant position of Germany on the continent. However, after the resignation of Bismarck in 1890, the German Empire began to pursue a noticeably more aggressive foreign policy, doing almost everything so that all of Bismarck's achievements very quickly sank into oblivion.
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* Before the start of ''LightNovel/ThatTimeIGotReincarnatedAsASlime'', a complex balance was in place between the various major powers of the world, such as the various nations and the Demon Lords. Then [[TheHero Rimuru]] come along and unwittingly breaks the balance by opening up what was previously a neutral zone for one of the Demon Lords to try to claim for themselves. Thanks to Rimuru's interference, the plan fails and in the end the entire neutral zone reorganizes itself into a new nation under Rimuru's rule. Rimuru and his nation quickly grow into a massive powerhouse, which even further disrupts the balance that previously existed.
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* ''VideoGame/{{Warframe}}'': The origin system is ruled by [[TheEmpire The Grineer]] and [[MegaCorp The Corpus]]. The two are roughly equal in power, so they usually use their might to leverage things whenever they get into a market dispute, as the Grineer happen to be the Corpus' largest customer. [[WeHelpTheHelpless The Tenno]], who are few in number but can decimate whole armies of either faction via one of their own, oppose both sides and assist the various smaller groups in the system who the Grineer and Corpus oppress. The fourth major faction, the Infested, want to eat everyone, [[GodzillaThreshold and thus whenever an Infested Outbreak occurs, everyone usually teams up to stop the plague monsters]]. The balance finally breaks down in ''The New War'', [[spoiler:where [[PrecursorKillers the Sentients]] (who have incredibly advanced {{Biotech|IsBetter}}nology and immeasureable numbers) invade the Origin System and [[OmnicidalManiac start killing]] '''''[[NotHyperbole everyone]]''''', forcing all of the factions in the Origin System to pull an EnemyMine just to survive]].
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* ''Franchise/MassEffect'' has Treaty of Farixen, which determines how many dreadnoughts each citadel species may have. Humans, who are limited to 1 per 5 turian, decided [[LoopholeAbuse to build carriers instead.]]
** Sort of subverted: All the powerful treaty signatories (Turian, Asari, Salarian and later [[spoiler: Human]]) are closely allied and the only races that could possibly compete with them (e.g. the Geth and maybe the Quarians and Batarians) are outside the treaty, the purpose of the treaty is more about enforcing the unipolar power of the citadel council races than making any sort of balance of power.
** Sort of subverted: All the powerful treaty signatories (Turian, Asari, Salarian and later [[spoiler: Human]]) are closely allied and the only races that could possibly compete with them (e.g. the Geth and maybe the Quarians and Batarians) are outside the treaty, the purpose of the treaty is more about enforcing the unipolar power of the citadel council races than making any sort of balance of power.
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* ''Franchise/MassEffect'' has Treaty of Farixen, which determines how many dreadnoughts each citadel species Citadel power may have. Humans, who are The Systems Alliance, which represents the bulk of humanity, is limited to 1 per 5 turian, decided Turian Hierarchy dreadnoughts, or 1 per 3 for the Asari Republics and Salarian Union. So they decided [[LoopholeAbuse to build more carriers instead.]]
]] They move up to being formally allowed to build equal numbers to the Republics and Union by the second game.
** Sort of subverted:All all the powerful treaty signatories (Turian, Asari, Salarian and later [[spoiler: Human]]) are closely allied and the only races powers that could possibly compete with them (e.g. the Geth and maybe the Quarians and Batarians) Collective) are outside the treaty, the purpose of the treaty is more about enforcing the unipolar power of the citadel council Citadel Council races than making any sort of balance of power.power. Similar to the treaty that blatantly inspired it, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Naval_Treaty the Washington Naval Treaty]], it's also not really impactful. Not only does it say nothing about carriers, it doesn't put limits on cruiser tonnage either, despite a "cruiser" being by all indications just a dreadnought scaled down to 50-80% of the length (and thus 1/8 to 1/2 the volume/mass).
** Sort of subverted:
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In order to keep things consistent, please refer to them as the Warlords, as that is the title used by the main One Piece pages.
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Yonkou, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Shichibukai who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Yonkou. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Yonkou and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonkou, 3 Shichibukai either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Shichibukai, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Yonkou, Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Shichibukai Seven Warlords of the Sea, who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Yonkou. Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Yonkou Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonkou, Emperors, 3 Shichibukai Warlords either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Shichibukai, Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Emperors, 3 Warlords either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, Yonkou, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea Shichibukai who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. Yonkou. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors Yonkou and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Emperors, Yonkou, 3 Warlords Shichibukai either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, Shichibukai, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* ''FanFic/SecondWind'': While the overall arrangement is generally the same as it is in canon, the Straw Hats are technically a part of the balance (in this timeline) [[spoiler:thanks to their alliance with Whitebeard. This usually wouldn't be a problem, except Luffy and Zoro, as time-travelers, are New World-grade pirates -- and the world at large doesn't realize this until they manage to defeat Aokiji at Water 7. Pirates capable of such a feat are ''very'' scarce, even in the New World, and thus the Straw Hats have (unintentionally) tipped the balance in favor of the Four Emperors. This becomes a plot point later on, as the World Government is so desperate to restore the previous status quo that they are willing to throw the collective force of the Marine's ''entire'' top brass at the Straw Hats, up to and including ''Sengoku himself'', to make sure they don't enter the New World and join Whitebeard's forces]].
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* ''FanFic/SecondWind'': While the overall arrangement is generally the same as it is in canon, the Straw Hats are technically a part of the balance (in this timeline) [[spoiler:thanks to their alliance with Whitebeard. This usually wouldn't be a problem, except Luffy and Zoro, as time-travelers, are New World-grade pirates -- and the world at large doesn't realize this until they manage to defeat Aokiji at Water 7. Pirates capable of such a feat are ''very'' scarce, even in the New World, and thus the Straw Hats have (unintentionally) tipped the balance in favor of the Four Emperors.Yonkou. This becomes a plot point later on, as the World Government is so desperate to restore the previous status quo that they are willing to throw the collective force of the Marine's ''entire'' top brass at the Straw Hats, up to and including ''Sengoku himself'', to make sure they don't enter the New World and join Whitebeard's forces]].
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* ''[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balance_of_Power_(video_game) Balance of Power]]'', the classic Creator/ChrisCrawford game published by Creator/{{Mindscape}} is the TropeCodifier, obviously, as the player must deal with global politics.
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crosswicking
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* Creator/IsaacAsimov's ''Literature/FoundationSeries'': "Literature/TheMayors":
** Hari Seldon congratulates Terminus for using the "Balance of Power" against the Four Kingdoms during the first Seldon Crisis (occurs in "Literature/TheEncyclopedists") to avoid invasion. The nearby nations had gone from nuclear power to [[SchizoTech coal-powered spaceships]]. When Salvor Hardin, the Mayor of Terminus, tells Anacreon that Terminus retains their nuclear power, it looks like Terminus is going to get invaded for its technology. But Hardin ''also'' [[GuileHero told the other three kingdoms]], so not long after Anacreon conquered Terminus, [[ProxyWar the other three formed a coalition against them]]. Now none of the Four Kingdoms can invade Terminus, under threat of joint retaliation from the other three kingdoms.
** During the second Crisis, Mayor Hardin managed to prove to the rulers of the Four Kingdoms and to the citizens of Terminus that the ScamReligion he created to distribute the technology of Terminus meant that the Foundation was now in charge of the Four Kingdoms rather than their frightened supplicant. However, Seldon warns that the new balance of power won't allow Terminus to expand very far, hinting at the next Seldon Crisis (occurring in "Literature/TheMerchantPrinces").
** Hari Seldon congratulates Terminus for using the "Balance of Power" against the Four Kingdoms during the first Seldon Crisis (occurs in "Literature/TheEncyclopedists") to avoid invasion. The nearby nations had gone from nuclear power to [[SchizoTech coal-powered spaceships]]. When Salvor Hardin, the Mayor of Terminus, tells Anacreon that Terminus retains their nuclear power, it looks like Terminus is going to get invaded for its technology. But Hardin ''also'' [[GuileHero told the other three kingdoms]], so not long after Anacreon conquered Terminus, [[ProxyWar the other three formed a coalition against them]]. Now none of the Four Kingdoms can invade Terminus, under threat of joint retaliation from the other three kingdoms.
** During the second Crisis, Mayor Hardin managed to prove to the rulers of the Four Kingdoms and to the citizens of Terminus that the ScamReligion he created to distribute the technology of Terminus meant that the Foundation was now in charge of the Four Kingdoms rather than their frightened supplicant. However, Seldon warns that the new balance of power won't allow Terminus to expand very far, hinting at the next Seldon Crisis (occurring in "Literature/TheMerchantPrinces").
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* Creator/IsaacAsimov's Creator/IsaacAsimov:
** ''Literature/FoundationSeries'': "Literature/TheMayors":
** *** Hari Seldon congratulates Terminus for using the "Balance of Power" against the Four Kingdoms during the first Seldon Crisis (occurs in "Literature/TheEncyclopedists") to avoid invasion. The nearby nations had gone from nuclear power to [[SchizoTech coal-powered spaceships]]. When Salvor Hardin, the Mayor of Terminus, tells Anacreon that Terminus retains their nuclear power, it looks like Terminus is going to get invaded for its technology. But Hardin ''also'' [[GuileHero told the other three kingdoms]], so not long after Anacreon conquered Terminus, [[ProxyWar the other three formed a coalition against them]]. Now none of the Four Kingdoms can invade Terminus, under threat of joint retaliation from the other three kingdoms.
** *** During the second Crisis, Mayor Hardin managed to prove to the rulers of the Four Kingdoms and to the citizens of Terminus that the ScamReligion he created to distribute the technology of Terminus meant that the Foundation was now in charge of the Four Kingdoms rather than their frightened supplicant. However, Seldon warns that the new balance of power won't allow Terminus to expand very far, hinting at the next Seldon Crisis (occurring in "Literature/TheMerchantPrinces")."Literature/TheMerchantPrinces").
** "Literature/LetsGetTogether":The two superpowers, [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]], have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].
** ''Literature/FoundationSeries'': "Literature/TheMayors":
** "Literature/LetsGetTogether":The two superpowers, [[TheGreatPoliticsMessUp "Us" and "Them"]], have been [[UsefulNotes/ColdWar at war]] for over a hundred years. An uneasy truce exists, one that would be broken if either [[LensmanArmsRace gained enough of an advantage]].
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adding wick
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* Creator/IsaacAsimov's "Literature/TheMayors":
to:
* Creator/IsaacAsimov's ''Literature/FoundationSeries'': "Literature/TheMayors":
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Official English name + name used in the fanfic.
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Yonkou, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Shichibukai who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Yonkou. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Yonkou and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonko, 3 Shichibukais either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Shichibukai, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
to:
* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Yonkou, Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Shichibukai Seven Warlords of the Sea who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Yonkou. Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Yonkou Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonko, Emperors, 3 Shichibukais Warlords either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Shichibukai, Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* ''FanFic/SecondWind'': While the overall arrangement is generally the same as it is in canon, the Straw Hats are technically a part of the balance (in this timeline) [[spoiler:thanks to their alliance with Whitebeard. This usually wouldn't be a problem, except Luffy and Zoro, as time-travelers, are New World-grade pirates -- and the world at large doesn't realize this until they manage to defeat Aokiji at Water 7. Pirates capable of such a feat are ''very'' scarce, even in the New World, and thus the Straw Hats have (unintentionally) tipped the balance in favor of the Yonkou. This becomes a plot point later on, as the World Government is so desperate to restore the previous status quo that they are willing to throw the collective force of the Marine's ''entire'' top brass at the Straw Hats, up to and including ''Sengoku himself'', to make sure they don't enter the New World and join Whitebeard's forces]].
to:
* ''FanFic/SecondWind'': While the overall arrangement is generally the same as it is in canon, the Straw Hats are technically a part of the balance (in this timeline) [[spoiler:thanks to their alliance with Whitebeard. This usually wouldn't be a problem, except Luffy and Zoro, as time-travelers, are New World-grade pirates -- and the world at large doesn't realize this until they manage to defeat Aokiji at Water 7. Pirates capable of such a feat are ''very'' scarce, even in the New World, and thus the Straw Hats have (unintentionally) tipped the balance in favor of the Yonkou.Four Emperors. This becomes a plot point later on, as the World Government is so desperate to restore the previous status quo that they are willing to throw the collective force of the Marine's ''entire'' top brass at the Straw Hats, up to and including ''Sengoku himself'', to make sure they don't enter the New World and join Whitebeard's forces]].
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonko, 3 Shichibukais either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, Yonkou, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea Shichibukai who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. Yonkou. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors Yonkou and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonko, 3 Shichibukais either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, Shichibukai, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* ''FanFic/SecondWind'': While the overall arrangement is generally the same as it is in canon, the Straw Hats are technically a part of the balance (in this timeline) [[spoiler:thanks to their alliance with Whitebeard. This usually wouldn't be a problem, except Luffy and Zoro, as time-travelers, are New World-grade pirates -- and the world at large doesn't realize this until they manage to defeat Aokiji at Water 7. Pirates capable of such a feat are ''very'' scarce, even in the New World, and thus the Straw Hats have (unintentionally) tipped the balance in favor of the Four Emperors. This becomes a plot point later on, as the World Government is so desperate to restore the previous status quo that they are willing to throw the collective force of the Marine's ''entire'' top brass at the Straw Hats, up to and including ''Sengoku himself'', to make sure they don't enter the New World and join Whitebeard's forces]].
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* ''FanFic/SecondWind'': While the overall arrangement is generally the same as it is in canon, the Straw Hats are technically a part of the balance (in this timeline) [[spoiler:thanks to their alliance with Whitebeard. This usually wouldn't be a problem, except Luffy and Zoro, as time-travelers, are New World-grade pirates -- and the world at large doesn't realize this until they manage to defeat Aokiji at Water 7. Pirates capable of such a feat are ''very'' scarce, even in the New World, and thus the Straw Hats have (unintentionally) tipped the balance in favor of the Four Emperors.Yonkou. This becomes a plot point later on, as the World Government is so desperate to restore the previous status quo that they are willing to throw the collective force of the Marine's ''entire'' top brass at the Straw Hats, up to and including ''Sengoku himself'', to make sure they don't enter the New World and join Whitebeard's forces]].
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* In ''LightNovel/HeavyObject'' the world is dominated by four supernations all of which are constantly skirmishing with one another. Because their strengths are roughly equal, none of the supernations are willing to engage in all-out warfare with another and will often enact temporary truces where they work together against a common enemy.
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splitting example and linking to the specific work
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* Creator/IsaacAsimov's ''[[Literature/{{Foundation}} Foundation Trilogy]]'' starts out this way. As the Galactic Empire starts to decline, the planet of Terminus is surrounded by the 'Four Kingdoms', who are looking to expand their own influence. They've also reverted to primitive forms of technology though, so when Salvor Hardin, the Mayor of Terminus, lets slip to one of the Four Kingdoms' ambassadors that Terminus still has nuclear power, it looks like Terminus is going to get invaded for its technology. Hardin, the MagnificentBastard that he is, ''also'' let slip Terminus has nuclear power to the other three Kingdoms. None of the four kingdoms are willing to invade Terminus now, under threat of joint retaliation from the other three kingdoms.
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* Creator/IsaacAsimov's ''[[Literature/{{Foundation}} Foundation Trilogy]]'' starts out this way. As the Galactic Empire starts to decline, the planet of "Literature/TheMayors":
** Hari Seldon congratulates Terminusis surrounded by for using the 'Four Kingdoms', who are looking "Balance of Power" against the Four Kingdoms during the first Seldon Crisis (occurs in "Literature/TheEncyclopedists") to expand their own influence. They've also reverted avoid invasion. The nearby nations had gone from nuclear power to primitive forms of technology though, so when [[SchizoTech coal-powered spaceships]]. When Salvor Hardin, the Mayor of Terminus, lets slip to one of the Four Kingdoms' ambassadors tells Anacreon that Terminus still has retains their nuclear power, it looks like Terminus is going to get invaded for its technology. Hardin, the MagnificentBastard that he is, But Hardin ''also'' let slip Terminus has nuclear power to [[GuileHero told the other three Kingdoms. None kingdoms]], so not long after Anacreon conquered Terminus, [[ProxyWar the other three formed a coalition against them]]. Now none of the four kingdoms are willing to Four Kingdoms can invade Terminus now, Terminus, under threat of joint retaliation from the other three kingdoms.kingdoms.
** During the second Crisis, Mayor Hardin managed to prove to the rulers of the Four Kingdoms and to the citizens of Terminus that the ScamReligion he created to distribute the technology of Terminus meant that the Foundation was now in charge of the Four Kingdoms rather than their frightened supplicant. However, Seldon warns that the new balance of power won't allow Terminus to expand very far, hinting at the next Seldon Crisis (occurring in "Literature/TheMerchantPrinces").
** Hari Seldon congratulates Terminus
** During the second Crisis, Mayor Hardin managed to prove to the rulers of the Four Kingdoms and to the citizens of Terminus that the ScamReligion he created to distribute the technology of Terminus meant that the Foundation was now in charge of the Four Kingdoms rather than their frightened supplicant. However, Seldon warns that the new balance of power won't allow Terminus to expand very far, hinting at the next Seldon Crisis (occurring in "Literature/TheMerchantPrinces").
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonko, 3 Shichibukais either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonko, 3 Shichibukais either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down. Down]]. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as [[spoiler: Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]].
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively. In the middle are the Seven Warlords of the Sea who, on paper at least, are a Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]]. This situation comes under direct threat 2 times: [[spoiler: During and in the aftermath of the Marineford War, Whitebeard is killed, Blackbeard usurps his seat in the Yonko, 3 Shichibukais either resign or are kicked out, and the Marines lose Aokiji due to not wanting to work under Akainu as the Fleet Admiral, and Sengoku resigning his position due to his disapproval regarding hiding the news of the escaped criminals from Impel Down. The second time was during the duration of the Reverie and Wano arcs, as Doflamingo is exposed for using his position to carry out multiple illegal operations like weapons dealing, UnPerson, pulling a coup by framing the incumbent king for murder (he did those himself), as well as trying a genocide once his crimes come to light. Big Mom and Kaido team up to defeat Luffy once and for all, and the above mentioned crimes by Doflamingo and the events of the Alabasta Arc compel Riku Dold, Cobra and Admiral Fujitora to suggest the abolishment of the Seven Warlords, which passes by a majority vote, leading to the shattering of the entire balance for good.]]
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** This also comes up in ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' when a Starfleet captain resolves a HostageSituation by illegally giving weapons to the hostage takers. He then gives the same weapons to the hostage takers' enemies to restore the balance -- and this leads to decades of civil war.
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* The UsefulNotes/ColdWar was very much about this, although the [[UsefulNotes/PeaceThroughSuperiorFirepower Superior Firepower]] and UsefulNotes/MnogoNukes meant that outright war was relatively unlikely. Instead, the US and USSR decided to fight by proxy. There is some variation as both the United States and Soviet Union were so powerful that even if one of them lost a useful ally like China - as per the Sino-Soviet split and Sino-American rapprochement - the balance never shifted firmly in favor of the other side.
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* The UsefulNotes/ColdWar was very much about this, although the [[UsefulNotes/PeaceThroughSuperiorFirepower Superior Firepower]] and UsefulNotes/MnogoNukes meant that outright war was relatively unlikely. Instead, the US and USSR decided to [[ProxyWar fight by proxy.proxy]]. There is some variation as both the United States and Soviet Union were so powerful that even if one of them lost a useful ally like China - as per the Sino-Soviet split and Sino-American rapprochement - the balance never shifted firmly in favor of the other side.
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* It has been argued that much of England's and then Great Britain's foreign policy from the 1500s until the 20th century was keeping a balance between France and Spain (and later Germany), to ensure that neither got big enough to take on England/Britain itself. To use the example in the intro text, Britain's goal was to always be E--ideally, an E which was not only a Great Power, but a Great Power so powerful that between its strength and location on an island A, B, C, and D would regard attacking E as sheer folly and regard any scenario in which E is involved in their squabbles as the end of the matter. This was explicitly spelled out as foreign office policy in ''Series/YesMinister'', in both past and present. It was claimed the only reason Britain went into the EU was to ensure they could keep the other major powers acting without them. However, ''in reality'' England/GB's Balance-Of-Power 'Policy' has vastly more exceptions than not: the ''only'' wars that actually fit the model are The Napoleonic and Second World Wars. England and later Britain did take a lesson from The Hundred Years' War, but that lesson was not 'prevent formation of continental superpowers', it was '[[RealPolitik don't go to war unless we get more stuff/money from it than we put in]]'.
** Henry VIII did the opposite (joining the strongest side) to try and grab territory around English Calais (where the Valois and Habsburg lands overlapped).
** Elizabeth I didn't want war with Philip II of Spain, Philip declared war on her to put an end to English smuggling and piracy in the Caribbean.
** British-Spanish and British-French wars in the later 17th and 18th centuries were over trade, trade posts, and (to a much lesser extent) colonies.
** Henry VIII did the opposite (joining the strongest side) to try and grab territory around English Calais (where the Valois and Habsburg lands overlapped).
** Elizabeth I didn't want war with Philip II of Spain, Philip declared war on her to put an end to English smuggling and piracy in the Caribbean.
** British-Spanish and British-French wars in the later 17th and 18th centuries were over trade, trade posts, and (to a much lesser extent) colonies.
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* It has been argued that much of England's and then Great Britain's foreign policy from the late 1500s until the 20th century was keeping a balance between France and Spain (and later Germany), to ensure that neither no one got big enough to take on England/Britain itself. To use the example in the intro text, Britain's goal was to always be E--ideally, an E which was not only a Great Power, but a Great Power so powerful that between its strength and location on an island A, B, C, and D would regard attacking E as sheer folly and regard any scenario in which E is involved in their squabbles as the end of the matter. This was explicitly spelled out as foreign office policy in ''Series/YesMinister'', in both past and present. It was claimed the only reason Britain went into the EU was to ensure they could keep the other major powers acting without them. However, ''in reality'' England/GB's Balance-Of-Power 'Policy' has vastly more exceptions than not: the ''only'' wars that actually fit the model are The Napoleonic and Second World Wars. invade England and later Britain did take a lesson from or challenge its supremacy. The Hundred Years' War, but reasons for this was that lesson was not 'prevent formation of England had a much better naval tradition than a land-based military, and continental superpowers', it was '[[RealPolitik don't go to war unless we get more stuff/money from it than we put in]]'.
** Henry VIII didsupremacy depended on the opposite (joining the strongest side) to try and grab territory around English Calais (where the Valois and Habsburg lands overlapped).
** Elizabeth I didn't want warlatter. As such England always keyed its foreign policy in Europe with Philip II the view that it could prevent or hamper the growth of Spain, Philip declared war on her a great power, and/or cultivate allies whose armies could serve, to put an end to English smuggling it crudely, as CannonFodder, facing the bulk of the damage of land and piracy in the Caribbean.lives relative to England.
** Henry VIII did the opposite (joining the strongest side) to try and grab territory around English Calais (where the Valois and Habsburg lands overlapped). But the minute he launched the Protestant Reformation, albeit inadvertently, he burned that bridge, and made England into the allies of "weaker" Protestant nations, leading them to support the Dutch, albeit only nominally, while secretly undermining Spain. Elizabeth I didn't want England to back any losing horse, or be put in a position where she would have to commit, so she ran her regime much more cautiously, publicly avoiding war with Philip II of Spain, while privately and covertly patronizing English smuggling and piracy in the Caribbean against Spanish colonies. British-Spanish and British-French wars in the later 17th and 18th centuries were over trade, trade posts, and (to a much lesser extent) colonies. And eventually the English fought Protestant Republican Dutch too.
** During UsefulNotes/TheNapoleonicWars, England ensured a fortress of ships defended it from French invasion, and she relied on using her great financial resources to suborn and subsidize European allies, especially Prussia, Austro-Hungary, and Russia, to break alliances and battle against the French. The largest land battles of the Napoleonic Wars, Borodino and Leipzig, the latter of which saw Napoleon lose at the height of his powers, did not cost a single British life.
** Henry VIII did
** Elizabeth I didn't want war
** Henry VIII did the opposite (joining the strongest side) to try and grab territory around English Calais (where the Valois and Habsburg lands overlapped). But the minute he launched the Protestant Reformation, albeit inadvertently, he burned that bridge, and made England into the allies of "weaker" Protestant nations, leading them to support the Dutch, albeit only nominally, while secretly undermining Spain. Elizabeth I didn't want England to back any losing horse, or be put in a position where she would have to commit, so she ran her regime much more cautiously, publicly avoiding war with Philip II of Spain, while privately and covertly patronizing English smuggling and piracy in the Caribbean against Spanish colonies. British-Spanish and British-French wars in the later 17th and 18th centuries were over trade, trade posts, and (to a much lesser extent) colonies. And eventually the English fought Protestant Republican Dutch too.
** During UsefulNotes/TheNapoleonicWars, England ensured a fortress of ships defended it from French invasion, and she relied on using her great financial resources to suborn and subsidize European allies, especially Prussia, Austro-Hungary, and Russia, to break alliances and battle against the French. The largest land battles of the Napoleonic Wars, Borodino and Leipzig, the latter of which saw Napoleon lose at the height of his powers, did not cost a single British life.
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*** Britain didn't oppose German expansion on principle either, they just did it because it was cheaper than opposing French expansion (because France's Empire was bigger and shared more borders with Britain). This later facilitated an uneasy Anglo-Russian rapprochement when France became Russia's ally in the 1890s, allowing Britain to cut down even further on defence costs.
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*** Britain didn't oppose German expansion on principle either, they just did it because it was cheaper than opposing French expansion (because France's Empire was bigger and shared more borders with Britain). This later facilitated an uneasy Anglo-Russian rapprochement when France became Russia's ally in the 1890s, allowing Britain to cut down even further on defence costs. Likewise when Prussia went to war, it was predicted (rightly) that the bulk of the battle would be fought on the soil of their continental allies and it was necessary for England's traditional view of attrition that they nurture continental allies to bear the brunt of the enemy's fire.
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* Some newly found Soviet conversation logs from around 1990 prove that UsefulNotes/MargaretThatcher was actively opposing the reunification of Germany even when the whole east of Europe was already revolting against the Soviets. Only to keep the Balance of Power intact.
** Confirmed by the diaries of her junior minister Alan Clarke, who was disappointed that she didn't back the reunification he realized was inevitable.
** Even at that time she was quite obviously not in favour of the reunification, so probably no one is surprised about the discovery.
** Confirmed by the diaries of her junior minister Alan Clarke, who was disappointed that she didn't back the reunification he realized was inevitable.
** Even at that time she was quite obviously not in favour of the reunification, so probably no one is surprised about the discovery.
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* Some newly found Soviet conversation logs from around 1990 prove that UsefulNotes/MargaretThatcher was actively opposing the reunification of Germany even when the whole east of Europe was already revolting against the Soviets. Only to keep the Balance of Power intact.
**intact. Confirmed by the diaries of her junior minister Alan Clarke, who was disappointed that she didn't back the reunification he realized was inevitable.
**inevitable. Even at that time she was quite obviously not in favour of the reunification, so probably no one is surprised about the discovery.
**
**
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* During the UsefulNotes/SovietInvasionOfAfghanistan, the ''mujhadeeen'' were supplied with weapons and training by both Western and Islamic countries... And China, in spite of it being a Communist power like the Soviets. The reason why can be traced back to the aforementioned Sino-Soviet Split, since China had no interest of being encircled by the USSR if Afghanistan became another satellite state like other countries in the Soviet bloc and it didn't help the pro-Soviet Afghan government supported Vietnam, which was China's enemy at the time.
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** Ancient Mayan city-states decllined in a similar way, as well as [[WaterSourceTampering poisoning water supplies]].
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** Ancient Mayan city-states decllined declined in a similar way, as well as [[WaterSourceTampering poisoning water supplies]].
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Swapping to official English, dropping some parabombing, and elaborating on which type is which
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. Types A and B consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Yonkou (The World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively). In the middle are the Shichibukai, who (on paper at least) are a Type-C, aiding the World Government against the Yonkou. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Yonkou and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]].
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* The ''Manga/OnePiece'' 'verse has a Balance of Power crucial to the overall plot of the story. Types The type A and B greater powers consist of Marine Headquarters versus the Yonkou (The Four Emperors, the World Government's military and the four most powerful pirate crews in the world, respectively). respectively. In the middle are the Shichibukai, who (on Seven Warlords of the Sea who, on paper at least) least, are a Type-C, Type-C lesser power aligned with and aiding the World Government against the Yonkou. Emperors. However, almost all of them are carrying out their own agendas on the side and some of them have casual and even friendly contact with some Yonkou Emperors and up-and-coming pirates, making them more of an Type-E neutral power in practice. Threats to this balance include single-minded pirates like [[SpannerInTheWorks Monkey D. Luffy]] and the deliberate actions of [[LaResistance Dragon the Revolutionary]].
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* Pre-UsefulNotes/WorldWarI Europe was much like this, except that there were ''three to six'' top-tier powers (Britain, Germany, and France at minimum, then Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Italy), with alliances shifting more frequently than you can shake a stick at. On top of that, there were the smaller powers, such as the neutral Low Countries, and the newly-minted and [[PatrioticFervor aggressively nationalistic]] countries of the Balkans (Serbia, Greece, and Romania topping the list in bellgerency and grandiose designs).
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* Pre-UsefulNotes/WorldWarI Europe was much like this, except that there were ''three to six'' top-tier powers (Britain, Germany, and France at minimum, then Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Italy), with alliances shifting more frequently than you can shake a stick at. On top of that, there were the smaller powers, such as the neutral Low Countries, and the newly-minted and [[PatrioticFervor aggressively nationalistic]] countries of the Balkans (Serbia, (Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, and Romania topping the list in bellgerency belligerency and grandiose designs).
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[[folder:Webcomics]]
* In ''Webcomic/KillSixBillionDemons'', the seven GodEmperor Demiurges [[https://killsixbilliondemons.com/comic/wielder-of-names-4-75/ negotiated]] an uneasy piece after a catastrophic ForeverWar, enforced by the fact that each one of them had the means to destroy any other. Now, the balance has shifted to six of them holding the OmnicidalManiac Jagganoth back from destroying TheMultiverse -- and [[spoiler:one of their number, Incubus,]] wants to tip that balance again.
[[/folder]]
* In ''Webcomic/KillSixBillionDemons'', the seven GodEmperor Demiurges [[https://killsixbilliondemons.com/comic/wielder-of-names-4-75/ negotiated]] an uneasy piece after a catastrophic ForeverWar, enforced by the fact that each one of them had the means to destroy any other. Now, the balance has shifted to six of them holding the OmnicidalManiac Jagganoth back from destroying TheMultiverse -- and [[spoiler:one of their number, Incubus,]] wants to tip that balance again.
[[/folder]]
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* ''FanFic/SecondWind'': While the overall arrangement is generally the same as it is in canon, the Straw Hats are technically a part of the balance (in this timeline) [[spoiler:thanks to their alliance with Whitebeard. This usually wouldn't be a problem, except Luffy and Zoro, as time-travelers, are New World-grade pirates -- and the world at large doesn't realize this until they manage to defeat Aokiji at Water 7. Pirates capable of such a feat are ''very'' scarce, even in the New World, and thus the Straw Hats have (unintentionally) tipped the balance in favor of the Four Emperors. This becomes a plot point later on, as the World Government is so desperate to restore the previous status quo that they are willing to throw the collective force of the Marine's ''entire'' top brass at the Straw Hats, up to and including ''Sengoku himself'', to make sure they don't enter the New World and join Whitebeard's forces]].
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* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': The only way to stay in power is to maintain one of these. Before the conquest, the Seven Kingdoms were relatively stable despite frequent warfare because of this trope. Then Aegon the Conqueror broke the deadlock and united them using dragons. Then the dragons died out and eventually Robert's Rebellion overthrew the Targaryens by uniting five of the nine factions against them. Then Joffrey's ascent annihilates the equilibrium into half a dozen warring factions.
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* ''Series/GameOfThrones'': The only way to stay in power is to maintain one of these. Before the conquest, the Seven Kingdoms were relatively stable despite frequent warfare because of this trope. Then Aegon the Conqueror broke the deadlock and united them using dragons. The Targaryens served as an OutsideContextProblem (from Westeros' perspective) for most of its near 300 years of reign. They held power by dragons but they also managed to keep a lid on all kinds of regional grudges and jealousies when they were in charge and they kept the Faith of the Seven on a leash, removing their militancy and curbing some of their most fundamentalist strains. Then the dragons died out and eventually Robert's Rebellion overthrew the Targaryens by uniting five of the nine factions against them. Then Joffrey's ascent annihilates the equilibrium into half a dozen warring factions.factions, as there is a SuccessionCrisis and all the old problems come out - regional grudges, over-ambitious vassals, dislike between the North and the South and the far south as well as religious fundamentalism being back and all of them trying to go back to some ideal past before Aegon's Conquest.
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* In ''Literature/TheThirdWorldWar'', the war starts because the USSR is worried about losing D (the WarsawPact) and is won by the West partly because of the role of two Es, namely Ireland and Sweden.
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* In ''Literature/TheThirdWorldWar'', the war starts because the USSR is worried about losing D (the WarsawPact) UsefulNotes/WarsawPact) and is won by the West partly because of the role of two Es, namely Ireland and Sweden.
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* The UsefulNotes/ColdWar was very much about this, although the [[UsefulNotes/PeaceThroughSuperiorFirepower Superior Firepower]] and MnogoNukes meant that outright war was relatively unlikely. Instead, the US and USSR decided to fight by proxy. There is some variation as both the United States and Soviet Union were so powerful that even if one of them lost a useful ally like China - as per the Sino-Soviet split and Sino-American rapprochement - the balance never shifted firmly in favor of the other side.
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* The UsefulNotes/ColdWar was very much about this, although the [[UsefulNotes/PeaceThroughSuperiorFirepower Superior Firepower]] and MnogoNukes UsefulNotes/MnogoNukes meant that outright war was relatively unlikely. Instead, the US and USSR decided to fight by proxy. There is some variation as both the United States and Soviet Union were so powerful that even if one of them lost a useful ally like China - as per the Sino-Soviet split and Sino-American rapprochement - the balance never shifted firmly in favor of the other side.
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** The Constitution of the United States similarly invokes this situation among three branches of the Federal Government (Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court), the idea being that if the government is busy fighting itself it can't oppress the people. Historically the leading branch has swung back and forth between Congress (embodied by the Speaker of the House) and the Presidency as the A and B, with the Supreme Court staking its claims to power on occasion as the E starting with ''Marbury v. Madison''.
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** The Constitution of the United States similarly invokes this situation among three branches of the Federal Government (Congress, (the Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court), the idea being that if the government is busy fighting itself it can't oppress the people. Historically the leading branch has swung back and forth between Congress (embodied by the Speaker of the House) and the Presidency as the A and B, with the Supreme Court staking its claims to power on occasion as the E starting with ''Marbury v. Madison''.
