Caught in a reactive scramble, East Zhou was pinned down by a rival’s relentless pressure. Then, with a daring shift to offense, they took the reins, turning a defensive struggle into a proactive victory. Explore this Warring States tale of strategic mastery and learn how an ancient pivot can empower you to take control in today’s battles.

Ever felt trapped between two powerful forces, forced to pick a side? Discover how an ancient Chinese state turned a no-win situation into a victory. In this episode, we explore a tale from the Warring States period where East Zhou, caught between the warring giants Qin and Han, uses cunning strategy to avoid destruction. Learn how they eliminated the ‘pick a side’ dilemma and how you can apply this 2500-year-old wisdom to modern-day conflicts, whether at work or in personal life.

Note: This episode is adapted from the article "Qin Borrows a Passage through East Zhou to Attack Han" in Strategies of the Warring States.

Caught between three warring superpowers, how does a tiny state survive? Discover how the Lord of East Zhou and his cunning Advisor outmaneuvered these giants, turning a desperate situation into a small victory. It's a masterclass in diplomacy and patience, proving that even the smallest players can find victories in a game that's supposedly only for big players. Tune in to see if these ancient tactics still echo in today's geopolitics!