How do I Beat Back Rush Tactics?

[Digress]

I have launched a rush or two but it always seems to trigger instant bad karma.

The moment I attack one opponent I discover new and insanely aggressive neighbours who attack me immediately. This seems to happen very early and well before anyone has had time to do much in the way of scouting (before turn 12).

[LoloMo]

First of all, if a potential rusher offers you a NAP, by all means, take it! ;-)

From my perspective, a rush strategy that quickly takes out one enemy capital is doing well. Rushing a second enemy normally does not happen. So a rusher will look around and attack what he views as the weakest enemy.

If you took good scales, you need to project enough strength that the rusher will seek weaker prey. A good rusher will definitely be able to defeat a good scale strategy, but if the war drags on before he is able to defeat you, then he has lost also. So just being able to present yourself as a difficult opponent will entice him to form a NAP with you and attack others.