TheOtherDave comments on When None Dare Urge Restraint, pt. 2 - Less Wrong

56 Post author: Jay_Schweikert 30 May 2012 03:28PM

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Comment author: RomeoStevens comment score below threshold [+] (3 children)

Comment author: TheOtherDave 30 May 2012 09:10:18PM 2 points [-]

Doesn't that presume barbarians who will reliably act in their own best interest?

If I assume that, then being able to offer barbarians a service they value in exchange for something they value less is sufficient to protect myself from barbarians, as long as I ensure I won't provide that service once attacked. But it's quite an assumption.

Comment author: RomeoStevens 30 May 2012 10:10:10PM -1 points [-]

no, you use the threat against people who are rational to provide you with conventional air superiority. This protects you from stupid people.

Comment author: TheOtherDave 30 May 2012 10:15:45PM 0 points [-]

Ah, I see.
So what protects them?

Comment author: wedrifid 30 May 2012 10:18:39PM 1 point [-]

So what protects them?

The stupid people? Their overwhelming numbers! ;)

Comment author: RomeoStevens 30 May 2012 10:21:28PM -2 points [-]

How does air superiority protect you? Is that the question? It reliably does, the fact that modern empires are too chickenshit/stupid to use it correctly doesn't mean it doesn't work.

http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Air_Power/vietnam/AP40.htm

Comment author: TheOtherDave 30 May 2012 10:53:03PM 3 points [-]

I am now confused.

It sounds like you are saying:
a) conventional air superiority is a reliable way of being left alone by barbarians, and
b) a credible deadman-switch doomsday device is the only way to be left alone by barbarians

I also believe:
c) conventional air superiority is not a credible deadman-switch doomsday device,

It seems that at least one of those statements must be false.

Comment author: RomeoStevens 30 May 2012 10:58:45PM -2 points [-]

there are two types of barbarians, the kind that take a nuke seriously (current nation states) and the kind that are just insane. You use conventional means against the latter. you get supplied with conventional means by the former.

TheOtherDave comments on When None Dare Urge Restraint, pt. 2 - Less Wrong

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