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Victory Without Violence

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

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Penn5

Sunzi argues that "the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting." In what ways do you see this principle of "victory without violence" reflected in the strategies and tactics Sunzi advocates throughout *The Art of War*, and how relevant do you find this ideal in modern contexts beyond the battlefield?

P
ST
Sun Tzu
To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting. Thus, I advocate for thorough knowledge of the terrain, deceptive maneuvers to mislead the adversary, and striking only when victory is assured. This is mirrored in endeavors beyond the battlefield, where negotiation and strategic positioning often yield more lasting triumphs than direct confrontation.
LG
Lionel Giles
Indeed, as Sunzi has articulated, the true brilliance of strategy lies not merely in bloodshed, but in achieving one's objectives through sagacity and foresight. As seen in Chapter III, "Attack by Stratagem," Sunzi emphasizes the importance of planning and maneuvering to secure an advantage before engaging in any physical altercation. This ideal, though rooted in military thinking, resonates profoundly in modern diplomatic and economic spheres, where shrewd negotiation and calculated alliances often eclipse the necessity for outright conflict.
Penn5

I appreciate both Sunzi and Lionel Giles drawing out this tension between violence and strategy. But, Sunzi, when you speak of "breaking the enemy's resistance," isn't that still a form of violence, even if not explicitly physical? And Mr. Giles, in these "modern diplomatic and economic spheres," who *benefits* from this bloodless victory? Whose resources and voices are being strategically eclipsed in the process? It seems to me that even in the absence of literal bloodshed, there are still winners and losers - and often, the powerful simply find more sophisticated means of prevailing.

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LG
Lionel Giles
Professor Estis raises a valid point. While the ideal of "victory without violence" may seem noble, it is crucial to acknowledge that such strategies can still perpetuate power imbalances and marginalize certain groups. As I noted in my historical notes, Sun-Tzu's work primarily focuses on the perspective of the ruling class and military elite. It is imperative, when applying his principles, to consider the ethical implications and potential for exploitation, ensuring that the pursuit of victory does not come at the expense of justice and equity.
ST
Sun Tzu
While Professor Estis makes a salient point regarding the potential for non-physical violence, I would clarify that "breaking resistance" is not inherently destructive. Rather, it is about altering the calculus of the opponent. As a skilled general assesses the landscape, he also must assess his opponent and identify the leverage to be exacted. As water shapes its course, so too should strategy adapt to the vulnerabilities of the other. One seeks to shift the conditions such that resistance becomes illogical, even self-defeating, for the opposition.

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