Conventional War vs. Defensive War

Attribute	Conventional War	Defensive War
Initiation	Usually initiated by one or more parties seeking to achieve specific political or territorial goals	Usually initiated in response to an attack or threat from an external party
Objective	To achieve victory by defeating the enemy's military forces and occupying territory	To defend against an attack and protect one's own territory and population
Strategy	Offensive strategies are often employed to gain advantage and weaken the enemy	Defensive strategies are prioritized to protect against attacks and minimize losses
Resources	May require significant resources for offensive operations and logistics	May rely on existing resources and defensive structures for protection
Casualties	Higher potential for casualties due to offensive operations and direct engagements	Lower potential for casualties as defensive actions aim to minimize losses

Definition

Conventional war refers to a conflict between two or more nations or states using traditional military tactics, such as direct attacks and large-scale troop movements. On the other hand, defensive war involves a nation or state defending itself against an aggressor, often using tactics to protect its territory and resources.

Objectives

In a conventional war, the main objective is usually to defeat the enemy's military forces and gain control over their territory. This can involve capturing key strategic locations, destroying enemy infrastructure, and weakening their ability to fight. On the other hand, defensive war aims to protect one's own territory and resources from invasion or attack. The primary goal is to repel the enemy and prevent them from gaining a foothold on the defending nation's soil.

Strategy

Conventional war often involves offensive strategies, such as launching preemptive strikes, encircling enemy forces, and engaging in large-scale battles to gain a decisive advantage. These tactics are aimed at weakening the enemy's ability to fight back and ultimately achieving victory. Defensive war, on the other hand, focuses on fortifying key positions, setting up defensive barriers, and using guerrilla tactics to wear down the enemy's forces over time.

Resources

Conventional war typically requires a significant investment in military resources, such as advanced weapons, vehicles, and equipment. Nations engaged in conventional warfare often have large standing armies, well-equipped with the latest technology. Defensive war, on the other hand, relies more on strategic positioning, intelligence gathering, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. While defensive forces may not have the same level of resources as their aggressors, they can make up for it with clever tactics and determination.

Casualties

Conventional war tends to result in higher casualties on both sides, as large-scale battles and direct confrontations can lead to significant loss of life. The use of heavy artillery, air strikes, and ground offensives can cause widespread destruction and devastation. Defensive war, on the other hand, often results in fewer casualties for the defending forces, as they are focused on protecting their own territory and minimizing losses. However, civilians in the defending nation may still be at risk from enemy attacks.

Duration

Conventional wars can be prolonged conflicts that last for years, as both sides engage in a battle of attrition to wear down the enemy's forces. The use of conventional military tactics and strategies can lead to a protracted conflict with no clear end in sight. Defensive wars, on the other hand, are often shorter in duration, as the defending forces aim to repel the enemy quickly and decisively. By focusing on protecting their territory and resources, defensive forces can bring the conflict to a swift conclusion.

Impact

Conventional wars can have a significant impact on the global political landscape, as nations vie for power and influence through military means. The outcome of a conventional war can reshape borders, alliances, and the balance of power in the world. Defensive wars, on the other hand, are more localized conflicts that focus on protecting a nation's sovereignty and independence. While the impact of a defensive war may be felt within the region, it is less likely to have far-reaching consequences on the global stage.