Studies of chimpanzee politics show that our traditional assumption – that the top chimp is simply the most powerful – Is not quite right. Usually, he also depends on a network of alliances with other powerful males and influential females. When there is a challenger for the top chimp spot, the battle is often decided not by the fight between the two most powerful chimps but by the loyalty or otherwise of the top chimp’s allies. That network of alliances is maintained not through brute force alone but by sharing resources fairly, protecting the weak from the strong, showing kindness and love, reciprocity and loyalty. The most powerful nations cannot possibly rule the world through force. What is required is a complex web of alliances based on interest, trust, fairness, reciprocity, mutual respect, identity and friendship.