Utopia, you are standing in it!

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1. Tim Harding
   Sep 15, 2025 @ 20:12:45

   The principle of proportionality in war, which suggests that the use of force should be commensurate with the objectives sought and the harm avoided, is rooted in humanitarian concerns. However, in the brutal realities of war, this concept is often impractical and can even prolong conflict, resulting in greater suffering. History and military strategy suggest that the quickest way to end a war is to win it decisively, often with overwhelming force. This approach, though seemingly harsh, minimizes the long-term devastation that drawn-out conflicts can inflict on nations and their populations.

   Proportionality is built on the assumption that wars can be neatly calibrated, with violence applied in measured doses to achieve specific goals. In reality, war is chaotic, unpredictable, and inherently destructive. Attempting to fight proportionally can lead to indecisiveness, allowing adversaries to regroup, escalate violence, or exploit perceived weaknesses. This prolongs the conflict, increasing casualties, economic ruin, and social disintegration. The drawn-out wars in Vietnam and Afghanistan, for instance, demonstrated how protracted engagements fueled by proportional strategies often lead to more devastation than swift, overwhelming campaigns.

   Moreover, the concept of proportionality often misunderstands the psychology of war. An adversary facing a proportionate response might believe they still have a chance to win or negotiate favorable terms. Overwhelming force, on the other hand, sends a clear message of superiority, breaking the enemy’s will to fight. This was evident in World War II, where the decisive use of overwhelming force by the Allies—culminating in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—forced Japan to surrender, thereby preventing a protracted ground invasion that would have cost millions of lives on both sides.

   The primary purpose of Union General Sherman’s March through Georgia, while seemingly brutal and disproportionate, was to demoralize the Confederacy and diminish its capacity to wage war. Sherman aimed to break the economic backbone of the South by destroying its ability to sustain the war effort. This involved not only targeting military targets but also infrastructure such as railroads and telegraph lines, as well as civilian property that could be used to support the Confederate military. The march was also intended to shorten the war by forcing an earlier surrender through the devastation of the Southern economy and morale.

   Critics of overwhelming force often argue that it violates ethical principles and causes unnecessary suffering. However, wars fought half-heartedly under the guise of proportionality often produce comparable, if not greater, suffering. By prolonging conflicts, proportionality leads to entrenched hostilities, economic stagnation, and humanitarian crises. A swift and decisive victory, while initially more devastating, often lays the groundwork for quicker recovery and peace. Postwar Germany and Japan are examples where overwhelming defeat led to reconstruction, stability, and long-term peace under the Marshall Plan and other initiatives.

   Finally, it is important to recognize that war is a failure of diplomacy, and once conflict begins, the goal should be to end it as quickly as possible. Proportionality, while morally appealing, can serve to hinder this goal. A more pragmatic approach recognizes that overwhelming force, when strategically applied, often shortens conflicts and ultimately saves lives.

   In conclusion, the concept of proportionality in war, though noble in intention, often proves inappropriate in practice. The quickest and most humane way to end a war is not through measured responses but through decisive victory. Overwhelming force, while controversial, aligns with the harsh realities of war, bringing conflicts to a swifter conclusion and paving the way for enduring peace.

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   • Jim Rose
     Sep 24, 2025 @ 17:21:58

     I agree.

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