Monopoly, the classic board game of wheeling and dealing, may seem worlds apart from the grim realities of warfare. Yet, when you take a closer look parallels emerge between the game of Monopoly and the real world today. As we roll the dice and pass go, let’s try to see how the world operates like a scripted boardgame. More importantly, let’s see how this affects our wallet and what we can do about it.
Establishing Dominance
At the heart of both Monopoly and warfare lies the quest for dominance over territory. In Monopoly, players try to buy up as many properties as they can seeking to amass monopolies and extract rent from their opponents. Similarly, in warfare, nations seek to expand their sphere of influence, annexing territory and asserting control over strategic assets.
Ever wonder why certain places in the world are marked as “territories” rather than states or provinces. For example, Puerto Rico is a territory of the United States. While they share some similarities to each of the 50 states, Puerto Ricans do not have the right to vote in US elections. Odd right? Becoming a state would allow Puerto Rico to receive federal funding, Social Security and of course the right to vote. So yes, keeping it as a territory is a strategic move.
Alliances and Betrayals
In Monopoly, as in real life, negotiation and diplomacy play a crucial role in shaping the course of the game. Players engage in backroom deals, alliances, and betrayals as they seek to outmaneuver their rivals and secure advantageous trades. Similarly, in warfare, diplomacy can be a powerful tool for achieving strategic objectives whether through formal treaties or covert negotiations.
Why do some countries in the world have unshakeable alliances? Just as in the game of Monopoly, the question you should be asking is what is the endgame? In Monopoly the objective is to acquire as many assets as possible because the more you own the more power or influence you have and the greater chance you have of winning.
The Risks of Overextension: Strategic Vulnerabilities
In Monopoly, as players expand their property holdings, they risk overextending themselves and spreading their resources too thin. Acquiring too many properties without sufficient funds to develop them can leave players vulnerable to bankruptcy.
Similarly, in warfare, nations that overextend themselves risk stretching their military capabilities beyond their limits, exposing themselves to counterattacks and strategic vulnerabilities. This means countries need to reach into their piggy bank (you) to bolster their resources. How do countries fund their wars and motives? Taxes. Love it or hate it this is how it has been for hundreds of years.
Lessons From The Classic Board Game
- Countries want external dominance to appear strong and powerful so they will always keep a greedy mindset.
- Countries want to get to their endgame by any means necessary so that means some wheeling and dealing along the way.
- Countries will always be thirsty for more and will overextend their abilities.
What does that mean for you? Well, nothing and also everything. Some people think, “Man, I wish I invested money during the 90s when the market was just going up and we didn’t have craziness in the world with so much global instability.” Well guess what, nations will always be greedy and operate like the game of Monopoly. So there is no perfect time to wait for. Start saving, investing and going after your money goals today and do not stop. Do not wait to roll doubles to get out of jail, use that get out of jail free card now. Remember timing the market is not important, time in the market is the most important thing!