Superior Finances Don’t Win Wars, Superior Alliances Do

Throughout history, one consistent truth emerges: superior finances alone are not enough to secure victory in war. Instead, the ability to build and maintain strategic alliances often determines the outcome of conflicts. This principle applies as much to ancient empires as it does to modern geopolitics. Let us explore why nations like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and others rely on alliances for survival and success, despite their financial strength.

The Gulf War: A Lesson in Strategic Coalitions

When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, Kuwait’s vast oil wealth was no match for Iraq’s military aggression. However, Kuwait’s strategic alliances turned the tide. The U.S.-led coalition, consisting of 35 nations, launched Operation Desert Storm, a military campaign from January 17 to February 28, 1991. This coalition, backed by political will, shared interests, and military coordination, successfully liberated Kuwait and defeated Hussein’s forces, the Gulf War underscored the importance of competent negotiators and foreign policy makers in forging alliances that prioritize shared political and strategic goals. Financial resources may fund a war effort, but alliances provide the operational and tactical strength to achieve victory.

Taiwan’s Strategic Position

Taiwan faces a similarly precarious situation today. Positioned against the formidable power of China, Taiwan’s survival depends not only on its own resources but also on its alliances, particularly with the United States and other democratic nations. These alliances serve as a deterrent, ensuring Taiwan’s defense is not a solo effort but a collective endeavor by countries with aligned interests in preserving freedom and stability in the region.

Lessons from Artsakh and the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War

The Armenian people’s struggle in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) offers another example of the critical role alliances play in modern conflicts. In the early 1990s, Azerbaijan was decisively defeated by the determination and righteousness of the Armenian people, who fought to protect their ancestral homeland and right to self-determination. However, the geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically by 2020 during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War.

This time, azerbaijan’s alliances proved decisive, Backed by technological support from Israel, strategic guidance and intelligence from Turkey, and mercenaries from Syria and Pakistan, azerbaijan achieved a temporary victory, with Russia’s tacit approval, motivated by its own regional interests, all to topple a Democratically elected government and to reverse Armenia's political tilt to the west, The result highlighted how alliances can tilt the balance of power, even when one side possesses historical and moral legitimacy.

The Indo-Pakistani Conflict: A Clash of Alliances

The long-standing conflict between India and Pakistan also demonstrates how alliances shape outcomes. During the Cold War, Pakistan enjoyed support from the United States, while India aligned with the Soviet Union. These alliances not only influenced the military strategies of both nations but also defined their geopolitical trajectories. The backing of superpowers provided crucial resources, intelligence, and diplomatic leverage, underscoring that alliances often determine the durability of a nation’s defense.

Serbia, Albania, and Kosovo: Regional Alliances at Play

The conflicts in the Balkans, particularly involving Serbia, Albania, and Kosovo, further illustrate the importance of alliances, NATO’s intervention in Kosovo, for example, was pivotal in ending the conflict and shaping the region’s future. The power dynamics in the Balkans have always been influenced by the alliances that regional and global powers form, reflecting how critical coalition-building is in conflict resolution.

Conclusion: Choose Your Alliances Wisely

As Patrick Bet-David aptly stated, “Choose your enemies wisely,” while Dr. Sarah Paine remarked, “Superior finances don’t win wars, superior alliances do.” The lessons of history confirm that strategic partnerships, built on shared goals and mutual interests, are the true force multipliers in conflicts, In a world defined by complex geopolitics, nations must prioritize forging alliances that align with their long-term strategic objectives. Whether in diplomacy or defense, the ability to attract and sustain productive alliances often marks the difference between survival and defeat, As history has shown time and again, alliances, not finances, ultimately shape the outcomes of wars.