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Understanding Violence in Medieval Politics
In medieval politics, the key insight lies in the belief that individuals had the right to use violence to settle their disputes, as there was no state monopoly on violence. This decentralized authority lead to a different landscape of power where individuals at all levels felt entitled to resort to violence. Despite the freedom to use violence, there were limitations as people often resorted to threats and negotiations rather than engaging in total warfare. This behavior stemmed from the understanding that they would have to coexist with their rivals, even potentially forming alliances through marriage in the future. Ultimately, the acceptance of violence as a means of asserting power shaped medieval political dynamics on both local and international levels.