Allies and enemies in war

Happy Saturday! Ever wonder how or why countries split sides when it comes to war? Neither have I until now. In my book, Her War, there are countries bombing and fighting with each other. People aren’t sure what everyone is fighting about though. On the outside, it seems like haphazard crossfire with no purpose or direction, but that’s not true. On the inside, there is direction. A clear distinction between one side and the other, because there is something the others have that the other side wants. So, what makes a country an ally to another country? Do they sign an agreement paper stating that they have each other’s back?

There are several reasons why a country might ally with one country and not another. It could be because of their cultures or geography. Most of time countries that stick together have common interests and morals. Something that binds them to each other and the goals they have. For example, in World War one, the Axis alliance- or Central Powers- aligned with each other because in their respective areas, they had a chance to be the “superpower”. “The Axis partners had two common interests: 1) territorial expansion and foundation of empires based on military conquest and the overthrow of the post-World War I international order; and 2) the destruction or neutralization of Soviet Communism”. Holocaust Encyclopedia. It’s not about friendships or who likes who, but how can this country help me achieve what I want. Also, sometimes countries ally together because they might need them in the future! If a country helps another one with a war, in the future, that country will return the favor.

In my story, it’s not about politics, territory, or philosophy. It’s all about what one side has that the other wants. These countries are banding together, not because they like each other, but to safeguard something from the other side. I haven’t given them names yet. The countries I chose to be on the “good side” are all technologically advanced, and sort of spread out in the world. There’s a group in every continent, but that means their enemies also border them. That is the real challenge. How will they move their secret without the opposing side knowing and where do they hide it?

Next Wednesday the topic is about the culture in Madagascar. ​

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