STRATEGYWeeks to result

The Bilateral Principle of Application

Use the enemy's strength against them

Problem it solves

unclear strategic direction

Best for

Situations where the enemy is strong and aggressive

Not ideal for

Situations where the enemy is weak and defensive

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Bilateral Principle of Application involves using the enemy's strength against them. This principle is based on the idea that the enemy's attack can be used as a vector for their own subjugation. By using the enemy's strength against them, you can create an opportunity for a counterattack and gain the upper hand.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Use the enemy's strength against them
  2. Create an opportunity for a counterattack by using the enemy's attack as a vector for their own subjugation
  3. Be adaptable and creative in your approach to warfare

Steps

3 steps
  1. Assess the enemy's strengths and weaknesses
    Understand the enemy's psychology and identify their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you to create an opportunity for a counterattack and use the enemy's strength against them.
    Pro tipUse spies and scouts to gather information about the enemy
    WarningBe careful not to underestimate the enemy's strengths
  2. Create an opportunity for a counterattack
    Use the enemy's attack as a vector for their own subjugation. This will create an opportunity for a counterattack and allow you to use the enemy's strength against them.
    Pro tipBe adaptable and creative in your approach to warfare
    WarningBe careful not to overplay your hand and reveal your true intentions
  3. Use the enemy's strength against them
    Use the enemy's strength against them by creating an opportunity for a counterattack. This will allow you to gain the upper hand and emerge victorious.
    Pro tipUse the element of surprise to your advantage
    WarningBe careful not to launch a counterattack too early and give the enemy time to react

Checklist

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Examples

1 cases
The ancient art of jujutsu

The ancient art of jujutsu is based on the principle of opposing softness or elasticity to hardness or stiffness. This involves using the enemy's strength against them and creating an opportunity for a counterattack.

OutcomeThe practitioner of jujutsu can use the enemy's strength against them and gain the upper hand

Common mistakes

3 traps
Underestimating the enemy's strengths
Failing to understand the enemy's psychology and strengths can lead to a failed counterattack
Overplaying your hand
Revealing your true intentions too early can give the enemy time to react and counter your counterattack
Launching a counterattack too early
Launching a counterattack too early can give the enemy time to react and counter your counterattack

Origin story

How this framework came to be

This principle is based on the ancient art of jujutsu, which emphasizes the importance of using the enemy's strength against them. It is a testament to the power of adaptability and creativity in warfare.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
The 33 Strategies of War
Robert Greene & Joost Elffers · 2006
Open source →

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