[MrBuddyCasino]

Is that your gut feeling about how it was, or is it backed up by historical research? Because I find this scenario not at all likely.

[vkou]

What do you find not at all likely? That conflicts are mostly fought for the benefit of the rulers? That being in the infantry really, really, really sucks, and when we do a show of hands, almost nobody wants to serve in it, and incredibly involved systems of violence and/or coercion/brainwashing/straight up dishonesty are necessary to make muster?

[namaria]

So politics is not about manipulating people into wars to benefit the rulers but it is? You're all over the place.