The Doctrine of Total War

The Doctrine of Total War refers to a military strategy where a nation mobilizes all its resources, including civilian infrastructure and economic assets, to achieve complete victory over an enemy. Unlike traditional warfare, which may limit targets to military forces, total war involves attacking not just soldiers but also the enemy's economy, industry, and civilian morale. This approach blurs the lines between combatants and non-combatants, often resulting in widespread destruction and significant civilian hardship. Historical examples include World War I and World War II, where nations aimed to fully deplete their adversaries’ capabilities to fight.