> uselessness of merely abstract guarantees against abuses. It seems the
> thing that best buttresses security and stability is a plurality of
> competing Powers no one of whom can do too much damage without stepping on
> toes that matter.
If one assumes a huge difference in power between Powers and humans, how
does competition among Powers increase the security of humans? Humans
who were the favored pets of Powers would be safe from others, but
by the same token humans in the sphere of a non-benign Power would be
left to its devices. The security and stability buttressed is that of
the Powers (assuming competition works to such an end at all).
-xx- GSV Urban Chauvinist X-)
Ancient Goth: someone who overthrew the Roman Empire.
Modern Goth: a vegetarian pretending to be a vampire.