What is the definition of War?

• A. When national powers are unable to achieve objectives in any other way, so sustained combat operations are used. The goal is to win as quickly as possible with as few losses as possible.
• B. A political disagreement resolved by diplomacy.
• C. An ongoing peacekeeping mission.
• D. A training exercise.

Answer: (A)

War is the resort to sustained, organized armed conflict when diplomatic or other nonviolent means fail to achieve political objectives. It involves using a nation’s power to compel the opponent and aims to win decisively while keeping own losses to a minimum. This match fits because it describes turning to prolonged combat operations only after other options are exhausted, with the goal of achieving a favorable outcome. The other scenarios describe diplomacy, peacekeeping, or training, none of which are war.