Covert Alliance Formation

Overview

A diplomatic procedure for establishing secret alliances between regional powers against a central authority, emphasizing verbal communication and shared grievances.

Steps

1. Identify Potential Allies

   • Target those with similar grievances against central authority
   • Look for those who have suffered recent punishments or humiliations

2. Send Unofficial Envoys

   • Dispatch trusted intermediaries without written documents
   • Verbal communication only - no paper trail

3. Establish Common Cause

   • Frame alliance around shared grievances:
     • Unjust treatment by central authority
     • Territorial encroachment
     • Influence of corrupt ministers
   • Use proverbs and shared cultural references

4. Appeal to Self-Interest

   • Emphasize mutual benefit: "Those who share hatred help each other"
   • Present alliance as survival necessity

5. Propose Concrete Actions

   • Outline specific military coordination
   • Assign roles and responsibilities
   • Promise territorial division after victory

6. Secure Commitment

   • Obtain verbal agreement
   • Follow up with personal meetings for final confirmation

7. Expand the Network

   • Use confirmed allies to approach additional potential members
   • Create multi-state coalition

Decision Points

• If ally hesitates, offer personal meeting to reassure
• Exclude those known for loyalty to central authority

Expected Outcomes

• Secret coalition formed without documentary evidence
• Coordinated action across multiple territories
• Plausible deniability maintained until open action

Verification

1. Confirm that all communications have been conducted verbally through trusted intermediaries with no written documents.
2. Validate that potential allies have been screened for loyalty to central authority before approaching them.
3. Ensure that confirmed allies are used to approach additional members, expanding the network while maintaining operational security.