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Model35mech

(1,576 posts)
2. Yes, empires depend on extracting wealth from colonial and vassal states
Thu Mar 28, 2024, 04:47 PM
Mar 28

The only way to do that becomes the application of power and threats.

At first, the value extracted comes cheap, and hence is profitable... until it isn't. Governing unruly provinces and vassal states seeking independence becomes expensive, requires more application of force (thereby increasing cost for the empire to remain in charge). The need to include evermore vassal states to cover costs ultimately requires evermore costs that in the end can't be met.

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