Seeing such tactics unfold in real time surprisingly does not have the same effect as reading about them in a history book. Perhaps it's the sense of disbelief at how much one can be devoted, or tunnel-visioned, to a cause?
Hannibal's suicide might seem inspiring and patriotic, but the CIA/soviet pilots' suicide pills are cult-like. The Romans forcing their language and culture on captured land seems smart, but Mussolini's Italy doing such are called fascist.
The big difference between Romans and Italians under Mussolini is that Romans were much less ethnonationalist, and would eventually accept the people who learnt their language as their own, even allowing them to become powerful politicians.
But indeed, there are fascists elements in Rome, and that's no coincidence - the Fasces from which fascism takes its name, a bundle of sticks around an ax, was a symbol of the authority of the Roman state.
Actually interesting about the game theoretic stuff as it played out in real life, especially the Hannibal Directive and the degree to which it can be advertised: affects morale unpredictably but forces a choice on the opponent.
I'll probably get downvoted for asking, but I'm curious if there's a HN algorithm that's keeping most Ukraine and Israel related stories from appearing on the home page? It's been refreshing to read news on HN free of war related articles.
This Exchange Rate article is interesting. Not sure why it's dated Nov 2, 2023. Thought maybe I overslept by a week.
Hannibal's suicide might seem inspiring and patriotic, but the CIA/soviet pilots' suicide pills are cult-like. The Romans forcing their language and culture on captured land seems smart, but Mussolini's Italy doing such are called fascist.