Igni ferroque

Igni ferroque: By fire and steel

Typically, a reference to scorched earth tactics. However, in Renaissance military circles, it was also used to denote a tactic, theory, or technology (armor in particular) that has been combat tested.

With advent of firearms this became more commonly known as "proof" (bullet or steel proof). As metalurgy advanced, it became more common to be both bullet and steel proof. Many nobles after the 15th c. insisted on armor had a round dent and sometimes a longer furrow. These armors were tested by "igni ferroque" methods. In other words, shot at and slashed at to prove its effectiveness to the buyer.

This website will be looking at current and past geopolitical issues and relating them to concepts that have been tested over time in manners similar to the igni ferroque method. To do so we will need to look at the thinkers that shaped the current competing factions, and how these cultural orientations (ways of relating to the world around us) influence the decisions that are made, how they affect oridinary people, and how abstract theories are implemented in the real world. Occasionally we will look at the consequences of not understanding other orientations, and following theories that are not subjected to the igni ferroque test.