On the Reality of Combat

[LanternWaste]

325. the "winner" in every single case, is the side that denies the opposition the ability to wage war

Then it's on you that you're not aware of the paradigm shift of combat that happened over the course of the 20th century, a shift recognized and defined in its infancy by Von Clausewitz.



"The winner is the side that holds the territory with boots on the ground."

And the paradigm shift counters that-- The "winner" in every case, is the side that denies the opposition the ability to wage efficient and effective war, regardless of whether than denial comes via the mechanism of intimidation through terrorism, strategic bombing, nuclear attacks, or even diminishing popular support. A strong and established military presence is merely on mechanism, but certainly not the only mechanism.

(J. Albert- A History of Combat and Culture; P. Kennedy, Rise and Fall of the Great Powers; On War, C. von Clausewitz)