It is difficult to address the reasons why an empire attacks a growing threat. However, growing differences between powers facilitate the use of a new strategy to address growing diversity and resulting threats. The Corinthian speech to the Spartans reveals the reasons why an empire attacks preemptively. Initially, the Corinthians demonstrate Sparta's inability to sustain peace. The Corinthians proceed to describe the consequences of Spartan inaction. In conclusion, the Corinthians use the differences between the Spartans and Athens to justify an empire's reason for attacking a potential antagonist. An empire's decision to attack preemptively is justified because the strategy discourages a growing antagonist from attacking the empire and its allies. Spartan failure to recognize Athenian aggression threatens the peace of the Peloponnesian alliance. The Corinthians begin their position by addressing Sparta's ignorance. , you yourselves claimed to suspect that the orators were inspired by public interest” (Thucydides, Book I.68). The repetitive choice of the word “from time to time” reflects the continuing failure of Spartan ignorance. Through repetition, the Corinthians assert that the duration of Spartan ignorance must reflect the strategy of appeasement. The Spartans allowed Athens to expand its empire without repercussions, which demonstrates a policy of appeasement. The Athenian pacification justifies their aggression, due to the absence of punishment for their belligerence. The repetition of words also reflects the growing discomfort...... middle of paper......s. Through defining the Athenian nature, the Corinthians anticipate the inevitable conquest of Sparta. The differences between Spartan and Athenian character are intended to facilitate a new approach by Sparta to upholding peace. The Corinthians argue that the Athenians are naturally dangerous and that the Spartans must attack first. The Corinthians address the differences between the Athenian and Spartan natures to describe the inevitable dominance of one. According to the Corinthians, “the use [of] their power” calls for a pre-emptive attack. The preemptive attack is able to discourage Athenian interest in the Peloponnese. The Corinthians imply that an initial attack against Athens is capable of preventing the growth of Athenian confidence. Corinthians implies that preemptive strikes are justified if they prevent an attacker from posing a threat to an empire or alliance.