When will we learn that IT doesn’t work? Apeasing thieves only makes them stronger! Mats
I think never. During the American Revolution, John Adams was sent to Paris. On the way, he came into contact with the Barbary pirates, Muslim thieves. Adams was dismayed to learn the French were paying some 20 million livres every year so the cutthroats would leave them alone. The French paid and were attacked anyway.
Europe negotiated with Napolean and lost. They negotiated with the Prussians and lost. Negotiations were tried with Spain and Europe lost. Europe negotiated with the NAZIs and the Stalinists and lost big time.
Each failure to meet intimidation with force led to disastrous force being used as the last resort. The problem with using force up front is one never can know if there was a peaceful solution possible. But, on the other hand, with force up front, the next time the intimidator knows very well the cost.
