An alliance mindset and the ability to be an ally to others are two building blocks for political savvy. the third is:

answer; ///first they would cross the atlantic ocean, and end up either in europe or africa; good luck

explanation:

with the profits from the european sales, merchants purchased europe's manufactured  goods, including tools and weapons. then the merchants shipped those manufactured  goods, along with the  american  sugar and rum, to west africa where they were bartered for  slaves.