Vesteds vs Threats

"The status quo has changed, son."
--Patrick Gates (National Treasure)

As the state grows bigger, those people seeking to shrink the state run into greater opposition. More people have a vested interest in the state's current size and continue growth.

The Vesteds will push back hard against the Threats--i.e., anyone who threatens state size and influence. Early on, Vesteds will push back by ostracizing the Threats. Slander, ridicule, exclusion, et al.

If social sanction strategies do not work, then the Vesteds will resort to out and out physical violence to eliminate the Threats. The Vesteds must preserve the status quo by eliminating the Threats who have become 'radical extremists.'