Practices of War and Their Impact on the Outcome

Warfare Strategies:

Attrition warfare: This involves fighting a war of exhaustion and depletion. By relentlessly attacking the enemy and wearing down their resources and manpower, a side can hope to achieve victory. This strategy was heavily used during World War I in the trenches.
Manoeuvre warfare: This is a strategy that aims to defeat the enemy by incapacitating their decision-making capabilities, often through rapid flanking manoeuvres or other forms of attack that aim to keep the enemy off balance. The German’s Blitzkrieg or “Lightning War” in World War II is a prime example.
Guerrilla warfare: This involves non-traditional tactics, such as ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run attacks, usually by a smaller, less-equipped force against a larger, more conventional one. The Viet Cong used this effectively in the Vietnam War.

Chemical and biological weapons: The use of gases and toxins as weapons has had respective impacts on warfare outcomes. Chemical weaponry notably emerged during World War I, with the use of mustard gas causing significant casualties on both sides.
Nuclear weapons: The development and deployment of nuclear weapons, such as that on Japan in World War II, has completely shifted global warfare dynamics, leading to a policy of mutually assured destruction during the Cold War.
Firearms and artillery developments: Technological advancements, such as the introduction of automatic weapons and improvements in artillery, have significantly impacted the outcomes of war.

Media manipulation: Governments often use or control media to shape public opinion in favour of war effort, maintain morale and create a unified national identity against the “enemy”. This affects the home front and can determine the populace’s tolerance for war-related sacrifices.
Demonisation: The deliberate portrayal of the enemy as evil or barbaric to garner support for the war and justify military actions.

Civilian casualties: Civilians often suffer in wars, either directly through bombings and massacres, or indirectly through famine and disease. This affects the outcome of wars as it can lead to international condemnation, loss of support and retaliation.
Treatment of Prisoners of War (POWs): The treatment of POWs varies greatly, from relatively humane treatment to brutal atrocities and forced labour. The conduct can influence post-war relations and create lasting resentment or desire for revenge.

Humanitarian effort and war crimes: Organisations like the Red Cross and the establishment of War Crimes tribunals have significant influence on the practices of war, setting standards for humane treatment and legal accountability.
Role of the United Nations: The United Nations plays a significant role in conflict resolution, peacekeeping and enforcing international law. Its effectiveness depends on the willingness of its member states to abide by its resolutions and principles.