Non military,non-physical applications of Shii

[QUOTE] Victory over aggression.
I would be interested in hearing about experiences in which shii was employed to attain non-military, non-physical objectives in a conflict situation. My offering is as follows.
Some years ago I was a member of a local archaeological society. As well as speakers and education etc. it supplied volunteers for the County Archaeologist to use on archaeological projects( excavations, surveys etc.) The county bureaucrats proposed to make changes and move the County Archaeologist to another organizational location which would have enviscerated the volunteer progaram. The County Archaeolgist organized the volunteers to write letters and make personal contacts with the County Council and saved the program--at least for that year. The shii was the organization .The node was the letter writing.
I consider this to be a successful application of Shii. Attempted applications (failures) would also be instructive.

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The concept of shi found in chapter five of The Art of War is one of my favorites. The example you gave paints us an excellent image of how overwhelming force can be felt even without direct attacks. The potential and anticipation are enough in most cases. This is why Sun Tzu promoted surrounding the enemy even though we are 10 to 1, because with that advantage we can easily decimate the opponent. But we don't because we would be worse off by not preserving All-Under-Heaven.

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Example of Leadershi

I do not know whether this was "overwhelming" force or not. I doubt it.It was a small volunteer group with a specialized interest. I think more a judicious use of power at a critical point where the enemy (County executive) was vulnerable. This example points out other factors of Sun Tzu doctrine: Know your self and know the enemy. County archaeologist knew that the enemy was vulnerable to this pressure and that the volunteers were enthusiastic about the program and would carry through the plan. The leader had moral authority on his side and the objective was fully subscribed to by the volunteers who knew that this was not just a bureaucratic battle where victory would only benefit the leader.

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