Supply

The inevitable conclusion from my previous discussion is, a dictator does not have to set up plots against his political adversary; all he needs to do is to shoot down the one who supplies the money behind the scene.

For example, the Qing Empire did not have to arrange an elaborated plan for the assassination of that nondescript Sun Yat-Sen, as you find in the movie Bodyguards and Assassins; the real target of interest should be Li Yutang (played by Wang Xueqi).

Similarly, Vladimir Putin does not have to lock up leaders of the opposition party - as long as Mikhail Khodorkovsky is in prison, there is no money for anyone who wishes to challenge the Prime Minister (or King, if you like) of Russia.

Or, if you prefer football than politics, Arsène Wenger doesn't need to find the world's best defender to guard against Didier Drogba - just a few more players in the midfield to cut off the supply for the Chelsea striker would be sufficient.

By the way, the manager of Arsenal did comprehend this strategy lately.

Thank goodness.