But if, instead of colonies, soldiers have to be maintained, the cost is much greater as the income from the new state will be eaten up by the expense of policing it, so that the acquisition turns out to be an expense. Besides, such a measure is much more offensive for it is harmful to the whole state, as the discomfort of an occupying army is felt by all and so everyone becomes its enemy, and such enemies can do much harm, even though beaten, on their own ground. Under every aspect then, garrisons are useless, and colonies are useful.
—Niccolò Machiavelli in The Prince