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POLITICAL GEOMETRY
thermore, within each ring are subdivisions signilying mutual natural animosities; for since each kingdom has its own mandala, an exceedingly complicated set of stresses and cross-stresses inust be understood to exist. Such a plan of mutual encirclement is to be cast, carefully weighed, and then used as a basis for action. It delineates and brings into manifestation a certain balance and tension of natural powers, as well as touching off periodic, terrific outbursts of widely spreading conflict. Taken for granted as a universal social principle is the propensity of neighbors to be unfriendly, jealous, and aggressive, each biding his hour of surprise and treacherous assault.20
This somewhat formal pattern may look to us a bit theoretical and over-sophisticated, yet it well reflects the geographical conditions of the Indian subcontinent. Also it is amply warranted by the modern history of Europe. It is the basic figure of a kind of political geometry that can be applied with few adjustments
20 The science of the mandala ("the circle of states") is discussed in Kauțiliya Arthaśāstra 7.
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