strategic-location-selection

name	strategic-location-selection
description	Use when evaluating locations for settlement, refuge, or strategic positioning. Covers geographic advantages, political landscape assessment, population disposition analysis, and long-term power projection, with decision rules to reject sites near rising powers and favor those with alienated populations.

Strategic Location Selection Process

Overview

A systematic approach for evaluating and selecting optimal locations based on geographic, political, and demographic factors. Derived from ancient statecraft consultation practices.

Steps

1. Identify the Core Problem

   • Define the threat or opportunity requiring relocation
   • Assess timeline urgency

2. Consult Expert Advisors

   • Seek counsel from knowledgeable sources (historians, strategists, local experts)
   • Present the situation objectively

3. Evaluate Each Candidate Location

   • Geographic advantages (natural barriers, resources)
   • Political landscape (neighboring powers, their character)
   • Population disposition (whether people are well-governed or discontent)
   • Long-term prospects (which powers will rise or fall)

4. Apply Selection Criteria

   • Avoid locations where dominant powers will inevitably expand
   • Prefer locations where local rulers are weak or unpopular with their people
   • Consider where your existing reputation or influence can be leveraged
   • Evaluate sustainability for long-term settlement

5. Execute the Relocation

   • Request permission or negotiate entry diplomatically
   • Leverage existing positions/titles to gain concessions
   • Gradually build influence with local population

Decision Points

• If a location is near an inevitably rising power: REJECT
• If local rulers are greedy and people are alienated: FAVORABLE
• If your reputation can win local support: HIGH PRIORITY

Expected Outcomes

• Secure, sustainable base of operations
• Population that can be won over through good governance
• Position that avoids future conflicts with rising powers

Verification

1. Confirm that each candidate location was evaluated across all four dimensions: geography, political landscape, population disposition, and long-term prospects.
2. Validate that locations near inevitably rising powers were rejected regardless of other advantages.
3. Check that existing reputation or influence can be leveraged at the chosen location for sustainable settlement.