Blackmail is theoretically interesting. We start with a situation where B does not have power over G nor power over V, and G has power over V. Then, an event happens to V, and B uses G's power over V to indirectly gain power over V, while still not having having any direct power over G or V.
It shows that power structures are not static arrows, and the transitive relation is insufficient. What other interesting power structures are there? "The Formal Theory of Power". Perhaps an algebra or other mathematical structure.
Imagine auditing a set of laws (the direct arrows) and deriving the indirect power relationships, searching for unintended consequences.
Vaguely reminds me of how "influence" can flow in a Bayesian network in a V structure only when a descendant node is observed.
Inspired by Brandon Davies and the BYU "Honor" Code, which gives (encourages?!) blackmailing powers to anyone with knowledge about a normally very private event.
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