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Culture War Roundup for the week of December 18, 2023

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in the modern world

I'd actually extend this to the pre-modern world as well. It has often been a popular thing among rulers, and recognized as such, to surround themselves with foreigner and foreign classes.

A foreigner is in theory immune to many things that could persuade a local to turn against the ruler. Ambitions to replace one or be a big part of another administration are a non starter. There are no preexisting loyalties to abstract principles such as the nation or the people. Even less so to local rivals.

He is also solely beholden to you as the grantor of his position and has no choice but to actively defend you if he seeks to retain his position and his life, where a local might be tempted to passivity and inaction.

That said, the Goth bodyguard or the Swiss mercenary is rarely a sign of strength. It's usually employed by rulers who have internal enemies so serious they're already a foot in the grave. And the aforementioned principles can end up invalidated by the Goth himself.