A missed opportunity passes up a worthwhile alternative without necessarily producing a disastrous outcome. A mistake has consequences that cannot be put right by taking a similar opportunity later. The distinction sometimes becomes clear only in hindsight. For this comparison, the choices must be mainly attributable to the naval treaty system, rather than the Ten Year Rule or the economic downturn. They must also rank among each country's most consequential decisions.
Chapter · 22:27-29:38
What counts as a treaty mistake?
Treaty-era choices can be judged by the alternatives available and whether their consequences could later be repaired.