--- title: "Mao's strategy of constant conflict" description: "Three conditions for using an enemy to strengthen yourself." canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/maos-strategy-of-constant-conflict/ updated: 2026-11-03 --- # Mao's strategy of constant conflict > Three conditions for using an enemy to strengthen yourself. Robert Greene's framework, from 48 Laws of Power, pp. 32 to 43. Framework 2 of 27 from [48 Laws of Power](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/index.md) by Robert Greene. Category: Growth and strategy. ## The steps 1. **Be sure you will win.** Never pick a fight with someone you cannot defeat in the long run. 2. **Set up a target if needed.** If you have no apparent enemies, create a convenient one, even turning a friend into one. 3. **Use the enemy to define your cause.** Frame your cause as a struggle against a clearly defined opponent so the public understands it. ## Where it comes from From chapter: LAW 2, pp. 32–43 Friends betray more readily than enemies because favours breed envy and a sense of entitlement. Michael III promoted his friend Basilius, who then had him murdered, whereas Emperor Sung bought off his generals and pardoned his rivals, who became his most loyal subjects. Greene says to work with the skilled and competent and keep friends for friendship. Enemies sharpen you, define your cause, and a former enemy has something to prove. The reversal is that a friend can be useful for dirty work or as a scapegoat, if both sides understand the risk. ## The animation 24 seconds, 4:5, no sound. - MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/maos-strategy-of-constant-conflict.mp4 - MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/maos-strategy-of-constant-conflict-dark.mp4 - Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/maos-strategy-of-constant-conflict.png - Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/maos-strategy-of-constant-conflict-dark.png