We suggest you turn to the Tao Teh Ching:
61 The great state should be like a river basin. The mixing place of the world, The feminine of the world. The feminine always overcomes the masculine by softness Because softness is lesser. Therefore if a large state serves a small state It will gain the small state. If a small state serves a large state It will gain the large state. Therefore some serve in order to gain And some gain despite their servitude. The large state wants nothing more Than to unite and feed its people. The small state wants nothing more Than to enter into the service of the right person. Thus both get what they want. Greatness lies in placing oneself below. -- tr. C. Muller