Country B starts doing shady stuff. Country A wants to differentiate itself from B, to retain its A-ness. If A imposes policies that match B's, A becomes more l

Country B starts doing shady stuff. Country A wants to differentiate itself from B, to retain its A-ness. If A imposes policies that match B's, A becomes more like B. B has exerted soft power over A, and is now in a stronger position to take control of A than it was before.