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Chanakya Strategy Coach
Instrument Selection

Day 3

The Six Instruments of Policy

Chanakya listed six tools of policy — this is called shadgunya, the six methods. He ranked them by cost. Talking and making peace costs the least, so try that first. Gifts and incentives cost more. Turning your enemies against each other costs even more — it spends your political goodwill. Force costs the most, and should be your last resort, used only when nothing else works. The usual mistake is reaching for an expensive tool before you have tried the cheap ones.

Reflection

In your most difficult current situation, which instrument are you reaching for first — and are you reaching for it because it is appropriate, or because it matches your personality?

Today's Practice

Identify one relationship you have been managing through force or avoidance. What would conciliation look like — even one specific, honest conversation?

Arthashastra 7.1