What is war?

War should be understood an actual, intentional and widespread armed conflict bet
ween political communities. [1]
It means war is an action which is done by arms and weapons. Secondly this actio
n is an action of conflict not a peaceful action which results in a widespread d
evastation, violence and unrest. Third and the most important thing regarding th
is is that war action is taken place between political communities not between t
he individuals or two groups of a state etc. In other words the presence of two
or more states in an armed conflict can be known as war. The fights of individua
ls with one another or some conflict between the two factions of one society can
not be known as war. War creates violence that s why it is considered as the cruel
est act. But another thing in this regard is that countries (political communiti
es) indulge in this cruel activity because of conflicting opinions. These opinio
ns can be about religion, social life, ideologies, national interest etc. this i
n one aspect of war. There are many other aspects of war like
War is nothing but a duel on an extensive scale. If we would conceive as a unit,
the countless number of duels makes up a war. We shall do so by supposing to our
selves two wrestlers. Each strives by the other to submit to his will: each ende
avors to throw his adversary and thus render him incapable of further resistance
. [2]
According to this point of view, war is just like a duel in which there are two
rivals, who are angry with each other on some point and both want to kill each o
ther. This is the most comprehensive and wide-range definition of war. In other
words one can understand war as a series of duels or as a fight of two wrestlers
in which both want to impose their will on the other. Same is the case with war
. In war two states fight as wrestlers and both want to get as many benefits as
possible from war. Even in war, states not only get resources of the other state
s but also seek to destroy the other in order to counter the future confrontatio
n. In some cases, some states wage war only to take revenge from other states an
d they don t show any morality while taking the revenge. Other than revenge, war i
n itself is the most dangerous and devastating action. Since the very first ware
of mankind up till now, every war bring destruction with it, because the intent
ions of warring communities are the basic thing which cause so many violence in
war. These intentions not only paved the way of war but also led one state towar
ds total destruction.
Encyclopedia of Britannica described war as under:
State of conflict generally armed between two or more entities. It is characteriz
ed by the intentional violence on the part of large bodies of individuals organi
zed and trained for that purpose. [3]
This aspect of war also portrays war as the activity of political entities. It m
eans this face of war also throw the chances of individual s fights to be known as
war. But here most important thing regarding war is that for war there should b
e some organization and training for individuals of a state, which take part in
war from their state s side. This is because it is not an activity of crowd which
can happen with the actions of untrained and unorganized men. That s why every sta
te of the world has its own military for the security. This military protects th
e state from every type of external threats. Without an organized and well-train
ed military, the wars cannot be fought as Sun Tzu describes in his book:
Maneuvering with an army is more advantageous whereas with an undisciplined crowd
is more dangerous because this crowd does not know the art of moving. [4]
It means war is an organized activity in which regular arm forces are used and f
irst they make strategy then they go for war. Common people (untrained people) a
re unable to make proper plans for war and then to fight war with full courage a
nd passion. That s why, for war, one must be well trained and well organized to co
pe with the difficulties of it.
Another definition of war can be described as:
A contest between nations or states, carried on by force whether for defence, for
revenging insults and redressing wrongs for the extention of territory for obta
ining and establishing superiority and domination of one over the other or for a
ny other purpose; armed conflicts of sovereign powers declared and opened hostil
ities. [5]
This picture of war is very much vast and the main concern of the scholars of wa
r (defence). This definition shows that war is not just a fight or conflict betw
een nations but it is an activity which has some bases, causes and benefits. In
other words states do not go for war without any purpose but they indulge in thi
s violent and brutel activity for the sake of so many things like to take reveng
e from any other state, to gain some part of territory of the other state, to ex
tend their commerce in to the other country or to become a hegemony by establish
ing the superiority of themselves over the others. This superiority can be in di
fferent forms like the superiority of ideology, economy or culture etc. this thi
ng shows the temptation that resulted in war. In international relations, the ph
enomena of war rely on so many things. Without these things, war action is usele
ss. Even it will become just a wrestling of states in which states just fight fo
r the sake of experience. For example, when we look at the two great wars, there
involved so many vested interests of European countries and these interests too
k the whole Europe in to these violent and devastating conflicts. If the benefit
s of war decrease then the states would think so many times before going into it
like nuclear wars.
One can easily analyse that war is the outcome of something but not the beginnin
g of miseries. If someone wanted to eliminate it then first of all he has to end
these reasons.
Colombia Dictionary portrays war in a different manner from all the above. It st
ates the aspects of war as:
War is an armed conflict between states or nations (International World) or betwe
en factions within a state. [6]
One can easily see the difference in this point of view. As all the pictures of
war described earlier tell that war is an armed conflict between states but here
it is described as an armed conflict between states as well as between differen
t factions of a state. It means that the scholars of this approach include the c
onflicts within states in the war. For example according to this definition ther
e are two groups in a state with different opinions about the way of life in soc
iety. This difference, when leads to violent conflict, can be called as war. Thi
s is not a general point of view regarding war. But it involves the internal as
well as external conflicts of a state which is debatable. But here our concern i
s just to define the war whether it is internal or external. This aspect is vast
than the others and need a deep look for its explanation.
Clausewitz also described war in his own words. He said:
War should be rational instrument of national policy. [7]
According to him war ought to be rational, it means there should be a proper cos
t-denifit analysis before the war. The generals have to calculate the resources,
need for war and the nenifits that will come from war. Second thing is that war
 ought to e instrumental. It means war should be waged in order to acheieve some
goal never for its own sake. And this thing is also considered that the strateg
y and tactics of war ought to be directed towards only one goal, which is victor
y. Finally war ought to be national in this sense that its objectives should be
advance the interests of a national state and that the entire effort of the nati
on ought to be mobilized in the service of the military objective.
This is most operational point of view regarding war because Clausewitz describe
d the real picture of war; that is the national policy. According to him, war is
the way to achieve national policy. For this, first of all the state has to eva
luate its resources whether they are enough to cope with the demand of war. Then
they should analyze the damage that can happen because of war with the benefits
which can be get from it. Second step is the making of strategy for war to get
the only goal of victory. It means the one and only goal of war should be victor
y which should be the ultimate outcome. So the proper planning is required for t
he war. When we take these points regarding war under consideration then war wou
ld be the real instrument of national policy. So, war is not a child s play which
any state can wage without any kind of preparation and evaluation. The thing is
that the war as a part of national policy, play a vital role in the whole life o
f a state. It becomes more important when all the means to achieve national inte
rests fail and states desperately need that thing. Then states make calculation
in hurry and worry. This state of frustration, desperation and deprivation leads
the states towards war. Once the war brakes out, it paves its way by itself. Th
en it does not take into the consideration the strategy or planning of states. I
t keeps on going in its own fashion.
Another striking picture of war is also portrayed by the Encyclopedia of Judaism
which describes that:
Armed conflict between states and people which, in ancient world, also involved t
heir respective gods.
This aspect is totally new as of the already defined pictures of war. The schola
rs of this school of thought involve the religious aspect to describe the war. T
hey believe that the war is not only a conflict between states and people, but t
here is also a war which is fought in the heavens and this war is fought between
the gods of different religions. It means not only this world but also the whol
e universe is the subject of war and this is an endless war.
Intellectual Description of War: What are the rules defined by different defence
analysts?
As we have properly understood about the war, its real meanings and different de
finitions, now our focus will be on the rules of war described by different defe
nce analysts of the whole world. There is a complete intellectual frame work abo
ut the rules of war. Although different writers have given these ideas (rules) o
f war in very early periods but these rules are still alive and operational even
in current world scenario. As we already know that wars cannot be fought withou
t any rules and strategy, now we will focus on those rules of war. There are man
y scholars which have given their ideas about wagging war. But some of them are
of prime importance like Sun Tzu, Nicholo Machiavelli, Von Molk Clausewitz, Kota
lya etc. These intellectuals have given the world real description of the rules
of war. Their work is still relevant. Here the researcher will take them one by
one and will describe about them as well as the rules of war stated by them. The
re are many other scholars but here the researcher will focus on some of them.
First of all the researcher will talk about Sun Tuze.
Sun Tzu:
Introduction:
In 4th century BC, Sun Tzu was a Chinese philosopher. He observed Chinese tradit
ions and then gave some principles regarding the conduct of war. He wrote a book
The Art of War . It is in the form of short treatise. Sun Tzu said that:
The art of war is of the vital importance to the state. [9]
In this short treatise, Sun Tzu sets out principles for the intelligent pursuit
of war, a victorious war.
He had a considerable influence on Chinese and Japanese military traditions. The
Art of War was translated in 1772 by Joseph Amyot and it was great success, but t
hen was forgotten. Mao-zee Dong s victories drew attention back towards this impor
tant treatise which laid down principles for a victorious war.
Importance of The Art of War
Sun Tzu said that The Art of War is of very importance for a state. It is a matter
of life and death. It is like a road that can either led towards safety or to r
uin. Hence it is an important subject that cannot be neglected.
He described that there are five factors which play a vital role during wartime.
The general who will consider these factors will be victorious and the general
who will neglect them will face the defeat. These five factors are the following
:
1. Moral Law:
In this factor, Sun Tzu described the importance of obedience of the people towa
rds their ruler. It means during war period, people should be focused over the d
ecision of its ruler. If they will not follow their ruler then there are chances
of early defeat in war. The moral law emphasizes that people should be in compl
ete accord or agreement with their ruler. There should be a harmony between the
ruler and the rules because if there will be cooperation between the people and
their ruler, then people will follow him without any fear and will not horrified
by any danger.
2. Heaven
Second factor is known as heaven. It signifies night and day, cold and heat, tim
es and seasons etc. All these things during war count a lot. As conduct of war i
n day times is much rewarding because in night, vision is not very strong and on
e has to depend upon sound. Similarly temperature plays a significant role durin
g the war, because cold weather is not su9itable for war. There is fog in cold w
eather which proves a big hurdle during war. Season also plays a vital role, bec
ause every season has its own impact over the soldiers. That s why soldiers should
be trained according to the season of battlefield.
3. Earth
Third important factor described by Sun Tzu is earth. It includes distances, gre
at and small, danger and security, open grounds and narrow passes, the chances o
f life and death. Distances may by great and small. Different strategies are ado
pted in case of long distance and different weapons are used in both cases. Simi
larly open grounds and narrow passes also have influence on war. War in narrow a
reas is difficult to fight. That s why strategy of guerilla warfare is used in nar
row areas.
4. The Commander
Commander of a military also plays a vital role during war because he is a symbo
l for the virtues of wisdom, sincerity, kindness, courage, and strictness. All t
he above mentioned qualities are essential requirements for every commander beca
use the commander is the central point around whom the whole process of war revo
lves. That s why commander should be wise; he should have courage because a courag
eous commander always boosts the morale of his army. He should be sincere with h
is country as well as with the army. He should be strict to some extant because
whole army depends on him. At the same time he should be kind and gentle to his
army.
5. Methods and Discipline
This means the arrangement of the army in its proper subdivisions. The gradation
of ranks among the officers, the maintenance of roads by which supplies may rea
ch the army, and the control of military expenditure.
Seven Considerations
Sun Tzu stated that by means of seven considerations, one can predict victory or
defeat. While seeking to determine the strength of any one of the parties, comp
arison should be made on following seven bases:
a. Which of the two sovereigns is inspired by the moral law?
b. Which of the two generals has most ability?
c. With whom the advantages derived from heaven and earth?
d. On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?
e. Which army is stronger?
f. On which side are officers and men most highly trained?
g. In which army there is greater loyalty both in rewards and punishments?
[10]
Sun Tzu also described the importance of deception in warfare. He said that:
All warfare is based on deception. Hence when able to attack, we must seem unable
, when using our forces, we must seem inactive, when we are near we must make en
emy believe that we are away, when faraway we must make enemy believe that we ar
e near. Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorders to crush him. [11]
Sun Tzu also mentioned about some useful military devices that can affect the re
sult of a war. He mentioned that these devices must be applied to crush enemy li
ke:
If he (enemy) is secure at all points, be prepared for him.
If he is superior in strength, avoid him.
If opponent is short tempered, seek to irritate him. If he is taking his ease, g
ive him no rest.
If his forces are united, separate them.
Attack him where he is unprepared. Appear where not expected.
Basic Principles of Warfare
Sun Tzu described some fundamental principles regarding warfare. These principle
s are following:
Wagging War
Attack by Stratagem
Tactical Disposition
Energy
Weak Points and Strong
 Maneuvering
Variation of Tactics
The army on the March
The Use of Spies
Wagging War
In Sun Tzu point of view, there should be complete preparation before the war go
es on. Soldiers must be provided with basic necessities and there should be enou
gh supply of essential things. He mentioned that there are some things which sho
uld be taken into consideration in wagging war. Like war must not be prolonged w
hen engaged in actual fighting, because if victory is long in coming, the men s we
apons will grow dull and their passion, zeal and all enthusiasm will finally die
. The treasures of state would be spent and then the other commander or leader w
ill take the advantage of these conditions. Due to these prolonged wars, state s e
xchequer become poor and cannot serve army in a good manner. This poverty will a
lso influence common people.
Second important thing in wagging war is that there are several rules for fighti
ng an enemy like:
Foraging the Enemy
Chariot Fighting
Treatment with Captured Soldiers
In Sun Tzu s Point of view, the skillful soldiers bring war material form their ho
mes, their supply weapons are not loaded more than twice but they must forage on
the enemy. Hence a wise general makes a point of foraging on the enemy. In Char
iot fighting, when ten or more chariots have been taken, those should be rewarde
d who took the first. There should be kindly treatment with captured soldiers to
increase one s own strength.
Commander plays a very important role in war, it can be said that the leader of
the army is the orbit of people s fate. This is because he is the only one who is
thoroughly acquainted with the evils of war. That s why his role is also important
is wagging war.
Sun Tzu says that in war great object should be victory not the lengthy campaign
s (prolonged wars) [12]
Attack by Stratagem
According to Sun Tzu, in practice art of war, the best thing is to take enemy s co
untry whole and uninjured. To destroy the country is not so good. He emphasized
on the breaking of the resistance of enemy in one or two campaigns instead of fi
ghting many wars with one enemy and conquered all battles. He also gave some pri
nciples of attacking an enemy. As he said that not to besiege (surround) walled
cities, because it is only wastage of time and resources. Another important rule
of attack described by him is that if our forces are ten to enemy s one, surround
him; if five to one, attack him; if twice as numerous to the enemy then divide
the army into two. If equally matched, we can offer battle, if slightly inferior
in number, we can avoid the enemy. If quiet unequal in every way, we can flee f
rom him, because a small force finally can be captured by the larger force.
Sun Tzu also mentioned about how a leader can create anarchy in the army during
war. He mentioned three ways to do that like:
Wobbling the army in some direction being ignorant of the fact that these orders
cannot be obeyed
Creating restlessness in the soldiers
Shaking confidence of soldiers with different means.
He also gave five essentials for victory for a military. He said that victory li
es in the knowledge of when to fight and when not to fight, how to handle both i
nferior and superior forces, and also victory lies in the maintenance of same sp
irit throughout all ranks, preparation of oneself and then wait to take the enem
y unprepared, capacity of military and the military is not interfered by the sov
ereign. He also emphasized upon the knowledge of enemy and of own self with the
skillful commander s role during the attack or while making the strategy of attack
.
Tactical Dispositions
In tactical dispositions, Sun Tzu laid emphasis on using such tactics that make
defeat impossible like he said that a good fighter of old first put themselves b
eyond the possibility of defeat and then waited for an opportunity of defeating
the enemy.
Another important thing in tactical disposition is to be offensive during war be
cause being offensive means that you have the ability to defeat the enemy.
A skillful commander and even fighter also plays a vital role in tactical dispos
ition as he first puts himself into a position which makes defeat impossible and
also he does not miss the moment for defeating the enemy. In other words, in wa
r, the victorious strategist seeks battle after the victory has been won.
Five military methods are also the part of strategy or the tactics of war. These
methods are the followings:
Measurement
Estimation
Calculations
Balancing of Chances
Victory
Energy
Another principle of war is to maintain one s energy during battle. For this, both
direct and indirect methods can be applied. The direct methods only used for jo
ining battle, but indirect methods are applied to secure victory. Indirect tacti
cs are useful if efficiently applied. According to Sun Tzu:
They are inexhaustible as heaven and earth, unending as the flow of rivers, like
the sun and moon, they end but to begin a new, like the four seasons, they pass
but return once more. [13]
To boost one s energy maintaining deceitful appearance is another good method. Thi
s thing helps one state to damage another unexpectedly. So a clever commander al
ways looks for the effects of combined energy and does not require too much from
individuals. That s why his ability to pick out the right men and to utilitze com
bined energy brings positive results.
Weak and Strong Points
To concentrate over weak and strong point, is necessary for war. One acquiring s
trong points and knowing the weakness of enemy will be victorious.
According to Sun Tzu, whoever is first in the field and awaits the coming of the
enemy will be fresh for fight and can weak the enemy s strength. Second time and
location also count a lot, because the army who will make its strategy will rega
rd to the time and space, will get the maximum chance of victory.
So one army must take into consideration some principles regarding weak and stro
ng points like:
A general is skillful in attack whose enemy does not know what to defend and he
is skillful in defence shoes enemy does not know what to attack. If we wish to f
ight, we can force our enemy even though he sheltered behind a wall of defense.
For this one general must know about the modification of tactics. Therefore, he
who can modify his tactics in relation to his opponent and thereby succeed in wi
nning may be called a Heaven Born Captain .
Maneuvering
Maneuvering is the movement of army (troops). So, to know the art of maneuvering
is necessary to conquer the war. One should be ponder and deliberate before mov
ing the troops. But one should keep in mind some essential things in maneuvering
. As Sun Tzu said:
Maneuvering with an army is more advantageous, whereas with an undisciplined crow
d is more dangerous, because this crowd does not know the art of moving.
But the army should not be fully equipped during march, and the commander should
not compel the soldiers to cover distances without rest. One should get the ser
vices of local guides in maneuvering because these guides are will-aware of the
different areas of a country. Maneuvering should be conducted under some princip
les like there should be rapidity and compactness in maneuvering. Plans should n
ot be revealed to enemy and one should only move only if there is advantage to g
ain. Sun Tzu was of the view that he who learns the art of maneuvering, will fin
ally get victory.
Variation of Tactics
Sun Tzu explained variety of tactics that should be used during war on maneuveri
ng like:
When forces are in difficult country, do not encamp.
In country where high roads intersect, one must join hands with allies.
Do not linger in dangerously isolated positions.
There are roads which must not be followed.
There are some armies in the enemy s camp that must not be attacked.
There are some tows which are not to be besieged.
There are some positions which must not be contested.
There are certain commands of the sovereign which must not be obeyed.
The general who thoroughly understands the advantage that accompany variation of
tactics knows how to handle his troops. There are five dangerous faults that af
fect a general like:
Recklessness which leads to destruction.
Cowardice which leads to capture.
A hasty temper that can be provoked by insults.
Delicacy of honour that is sensitive to shame.
Over-Solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.
The Army on the March
Sun Tzu said that an army should be careful on the march and consider some impor
tant things like:
Pass quickly over mountains and keep in the neighborhood of valleys.
Camp in high places. Do not climb in order to fight.
After crossing a river get far away from it.
When an invading force crosses a river in it s onwards march, do not advance to me
et it in the midstream.
Country in which there are ponds surrounded by aquatic grass, deep natural hollo
ws filled with reeds or woods with thick undergrowth must be carefully searched.
There are some signs to judge the intentions of enemy like:
When the enemy is encamped in a place of easy access, it means that he is tender
ing bait.
When enemy tries to provoke a battle, it means he is anxious for the other side
to advance.
Movement amongst the trees of a forest shows that the enemy is advancing.
There are many other signs of enemy s march that should be taken into account whil
e march is going on.
Use of Spies
Use of spies is another good principle of war. This is because spies are called
hidden eyes and ears of a military. The knowledge of enemy s plan can only be obta
ined from the spies. There are different types of spies.
Local Spies
Local spies mean employing the services of the inhabitants of a district.
Inward Spies
By using different tactics, the enemy s officials are made spies.
Converted Spies
The enemy s spies who have come to spy us must be captured, tempted with bribes, l
ed away and comfortably housed, they will become converted spies and available f
or our own purposes.
Doomed Spies
These spies do certain things openly for purposes of deception and carry false n
ews to the enemy.
Surviving Spies
Surviving spies are those who bring back news from the enemy s camp.
So the spies are used to get information about the strategies of enemy. On spies
, the armies ability to move is dependent. Whatever the object be to crush the ar
my, to storm a city, or to assassinate an individual, it is always necessary to
begin by finding out the names of the attendants, the door-keepers and sentries
of the general on command. These objectives can only be achieved by use of spies
.
While keeping in view five factors and nine principles of fight, the researcher
is of the view that Sun Tzu has described each and every aspect of warfare of hi
s time. These principles are still relevant in modern war to some extant. Even t
he traditional way to wage war in modern era is also influenced by his writings.
So one can easily say:
Sun Tzu gave the base to the conduct of war. If someone needs to understand abou
t war, he should first understand the work of Sun Tzu. Then he will be able to s
ay something about war. In other words, Sun Tzu s work is like a backbone in the s
tructure of the conduct of war.
After Sun Tzu, the researcher has many other philosophers who have done their be
st to describe about war and the rules of war. Now the researcher will put some
light over the work Clausewitz.
General Carl Von Clausewitz
General Carl Von Clausewitz was born at Burg in 1780. He joined the Prussian Arm
y in 1792. He was the member of 1793-1794 campaign on Rhine. After that he start
ed studying about his profession. In 1801, he entered the military school at Ber
lin where he got the chance to meet with highest rank generals of their times wi
th the members of establishment. Many big personalities were very much hopeful a
bout his future in the school time. He also served in 1806 campaign under the Pr
ince Augustus of Prussia, where he got wounded and taken as prisoner. He was sen
t to France until the end of war.
After that he kept on serving the Prussian army, and then the Russian army under
different Russian generals. He died in 1831. His writings are consisted of nine
volumes which were published after his death. But his famous three volumes form
his treatise on war.
What is War?
Clausewitz said:
War is a duel on extensive scale.
It should be considered as a fight between two wrestlers in which each wrestler
wants to overthrow the other in order to end his capacity of future resistance.
It means war is a violent activity because violent arms are invented in order to
contend violence. Self imposed restrictions are not workable and international
law is nothing. There is no moral force to stop states from indulging into viole
nce. Power is the most important thing. In violent conflicts like wars, the only
object is to submit its will upon the adversary. Only way to attain this object
ive is to disarm the enemy. According to Clausewitz, there is a skillful method
to disarm the enemy without bloodshed. This method is called the art of war. Cla
usewitz said that in the art of war, there can be some errors but these errors c
an prove worst. If one military only rely upon physical force without intelligen
ce, that military may cause more harm than the other. But superiority lies in ge
tting success without bloodshed in war.
Utmost Exertion of Power
If one is ready to understand about war, then it is the full show of power. If o
ne state wants to defeat the enemy, then she should proportion her efforts with
the power or the resistance of enemy. This is the product of two facts, The sum o
f available means and The strength of the will . It means war is a show of your stre
ngth, power and your will.
Six Factors