Thucydides notes that the right solution can only be achieved by those that are equal in power. The corollary in the quote is " ----that the strong do what they can, the weak do what they must." He must have believed that in the pursuit of self interest there was little or no place for a balance that addressed the self interest of the other. Since he was a general and a politician he saw the "other" as an opponent. If we, as the "weak other", will do as we must, can we succeed by inventiveness, persuasion and good will? Not likely and we shouldn't blame those negotiating for us. Those characteristics are however honorable and will serve as modifiers. We should not forget that the "strong" are struggling with the headstrong at the present time and have to somehow save themselves. It's not really a good time to negotiate. I'm sure Thucydides is right.
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