defensive warfare
Holding your ground
Defensive warfare is military strategy focused on protecting territory rather than attacking.
The defending force uses fortifications, natural terrain, and prepared positions to repel invaders: The outnumbered army relied on defensive warfare, forcing attackers to assault their entrenched positions.
Historically considered advantageous since defenders choose the ground and attackers must expose themselves.
- ambushSurprise strike from concealment
- war of attritionProlonged conflict draining both sides
- deterrencePrevention via threatened consequences
- radar systemsEquipment detecting objects via radio waves
- early warningAlert before event occurs
border control · intelligence gathering · fortification · castle walls · entrenchment · dig in · alliances · choke points · last stand · fall back position · retreat · counterattack · flanking · surveillance equipment · drones · geopolitical strategy · military doctrine · coastal defenses
- Confederate WarfareRobert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, cavalry raids, blockade running, fortification
- Mohismuniversal love, frugality, anti-war, meritocracy, consequentialism
- ConfederacyConfederate States, Jefferson Davis, Confederate flag, Confederate Congress, Confederate Army
defensive warfareoffensive operations
Attacks to gain ground
attack · aggression · offensive strategy · invasion · war of conquest
defensive warfarepreventive war
Attacking anticipated future threat
offensive · taking the initiative · preemptive war · preemptive strike · first strike
defensive, warfare, defense, defence, defend, defender, defends, defended, defending