What’s working is that cultural identities and cultural borders are being preserved. When X attacks Y, it doesn’t annex it. It doesn’t destroy Y’s identity or erase its borders, it just inflicts a certain amount of damage, then turns around and goes home. It’s no different when Y attacks X. In other words, every attack serves as a demonstration and affirmation of identity to both sides: “We’re X and you’re Y, and here’s the border between us. We cross it at our risk, and you cross it at yours. We know you’re strong and healthy. Every once in a while, we’re going to make sure you know we’re
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