Methods that are effective at acquiring and resisting power?

Methods that are effective at acquiring power are often entirely different from resisting power.

Explanation:

To acquire power in a political sense a  nation must always be looking to expand its influence across the borders and to be in a position of profit against its rivals on issues that concern both parties.

This also includes begin able to harness any loopholes in the world politic scenario for the profit.

To refuse power in this sense is to project strength and independence but to not seek an active role in the world politics and instead maintain own position of advantage.

Many peacekeeping countries have been found following this rule.