War

War is armed conflict, usually between two political groups, involving hostilities of some magnitude over a period of time and usually resulting in some damage to both sides, whether or not a winner eventually emerges. Both sides may attempt to advance their cause by devising suitable strategies and tactics within the prevailing logistical constraints.

Non-physical conflict, usually between two groups or individuals, may take the form of an argument of some magnitude sustained over a period of time and usually resulting in some damage to both sides, whether or not a winner eventually emerges. Both sides may attempt to advance their cause by devising suitable strategies and tactics within the prevailing constraints.

Emphasis on neutralizing or eliminating any opposition.

Most expressions relating to an argument are derived from warfare. Arguments with an 'opponent' are 'won' or 'lost', depending on the relative 'strength' of the 'position' of the participants, and how they ace 'attacked' and 'defended'. Appropriate 'strategies' and 'tactics' must be used in 'deploying' resources in order to avoid having to 'lose ground' or 'retreat'. Many of the acts of argument are partially structured by the concept of war, including 'bringing up the heavy artillery', obtaining sufficient 'ammunition', and ensuring that shots 'hit the target'. Although some social groups (e.g. academics, diplomats) engage in genteel argument within a framework precluding certain tactics as unfair or irrational (e.g. flattery, insult, intimidation, evading issues, invoking authority, etc), their arguments still involve an effort to destroy the opponent's position.

Types of weaponry and warfare. Strategy and tactics. Arms race. Overkill and mutually assured destruction. History and future of warfare.