Status Updates From Ο Πελοποννησιακός Πόλεμος

An important theme is the value of strategies of deterrence, but only if backed by sufficient force. The Athenian deterrence strategy against Corinth in defense of Corcyra works only with the supplying of an additional defense force beyond the initial ten ships, whereas Pericles’ deterrence against the Spartans fails owing to lack of its potential danger/damage.

Fascinating, Athenian representatives at a meeting of Spartan allies characterized their empire as essentially gathered in a “fit of absent-mindedness.”