There Are No Such Thing as Fairness in War: Victory Above All
War is not about fairness; it’s about survival and victory.
Explore the brutal reality of warfare, where rules often blur, and everything goes to achieve the ultimate goal.
When it comes to war, fairness is a concept that exists only in theory.
On the battlefield, ideals of justice and equality give way to the harsh realities of survival, strategy, and achieving victory at all costs.
The phrase “all’s fair in love and war“ encapsulates the mindset that, in war, there are no rules—only outcomes.
But why does fairness disappear in war?
What does “anything goes” really mean in a conflict scenario?
Let’s delve into the brutal truths of warfare.
1. The Nature of War: A Game Without Rules
War is inherently unfair. It pits countries, ideologies, and individuals against each other in a struggle where the stakes are survival, power, and control.
In this high-stakes environment, traditional notions of fairness lose their meaning.
A. War is Asymmetrical
- Conflicts often occur between opponents of vastly different strengths.
Smaller forces may resort to unconventional tactics to level the playing field. - The imbalance creates a scenario where both sides justify breaking “rules” to achieve their goals.
B. The Goal is Victory
- In war, the ultimate objective is to win, not to play fair.
Tactics, strategies, and decisions are driven by what will bring success, regardless of their ethical implications.
2. The Rules of War: Do They Matter?
While international conventions like the Geneva Conventions attempt to regulate warfare, these rules are often ignored or manipulated in practice.
A. The Illusion of Rules
- Rules are only followed when convenient or when they align with a nation’s goals.
Otherwise, they’re treated as suggestions rather than mandates. - War crimes, civilian casualties, and unethical tactics are evidence that the “rules” are frequently broken.
B. Accountability is Rare
- Even when rules are violated, the winners often dictate the narrative and escape accountability.
The defeated rarely have the power to hold their opponents accountable.
3. The Philosophy of “Anything Goes”
The idea that “anything goes” in war stems from the belief that the ends justify the means.
Sacrifices, deception, and brutality are seen as necessary evils to secure victory.
A. Psychological Warfare
- Using fear, misinformation, and propaganda to weaken the enemy’s morale is a common tactic, even if it’s morally questionable.
- Example: Dropping leaflets with false information to sow confusion among enemy ranks.
B. Unconventional Tactics
- Guerrilla warfare, ambushes, and sabotage are often employed by weaker forces to disrupt stronger opponents.
- Example: The Vietnam War saw the extensive use of booby traps and surprise attacks to counter U.S. military superiority.
C. Collateral Damage
- Civilian casualties, while tragic, are often accepted as unavoidable consequences of achieving strategic objectives.
- Example: Strategic bombings during World War II targeted entire cities, leading to massive civilian losses.
4. The Moral Dilemma
While fairness is often dismissed in war, the lack of moral boundaries raises ethical questions about how far a force should go to achieve victory.
A. The Cost of Victory
- Achieving victory at any cost often leaves a moral stain that lingers long after the war ends.
- Example: The use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki ended World War II but sparked decades of ethical debate.
B. Dehumanization
- The “anything goes” mindset can lead to the dehumanization of the enemy, making atrocities more likely.
C. Long-Term Consequences
- Brutal tactics may achieve short-term success but often lead to long-term resentment and instability.
5. The Role of Strategy Over Fairness
War is a strategic endeavour, where cunning and resourcefulness outweigh ideals of fairness.
A. Deception and Misdirection
- Feints, fake retreats, and misinformation are standard tactics that exploit the enemy’s trust in fairness.
- Example: During D-Day, the Allies used fake equipment and misinformation to mislead the Germans about the location of the invasion.
B. Total War
- In total war, entire nations mobilize for conflict, and nothing is off-limits—every resource, civilian or military, is considered a target.
6. The Human Cost of Unfair Warfare
The “anything goes” approach often results in immense human suffering, especially for civilians caught in the crossfire.
A. Refugees and Displacement
- Unfair tactics like targeting civilian infrastructure create humanitarian crises.
- Example: The Syrian Civil War displaced millions due to indiscriminate bombings and sieges.
B. Psychological Trauma
- Soldiers and civilians alike bear the scars of brutal and unfair warfare, often leading to generations of trauma.
7. Lessons from History
Throughout history, wars have shown that fairness is rarely part of the equation:
A. The Mongol Conquests
- The Mongols used psychological warfare and mass slaughter to instill fear, ensuring swift victories with minimal resistance.
B. World War II
- Tactics like the Blitzkrieg and firebombing demonstrated the abandonment of fairness for strategic efficiency.
C. Modern Conflicts
- Drone warfare and cyberattacks highlight how technology is used to bypass traditional rules of engagement.
8. Does Fairness Have a Place in War?
While fairness is largely absent in war, there are arguments for maintaining ethical boundaries:
- Preserving Humanity: Even in war, adherence to some rules ensures the survival of basic human rights.
- Preventing Escalation: Unrestrained tactics often lead to cycles of retaliation and prolonged conflict.
However, these ideals often clash with the harsh realities of achieving military objectives.
Conclusion: Fairness is a Luxury, Not a Rule
In war, survival and victory take precedence over fairness.
While rules and ethics may provide a framework, they are often bent, ignored, or outright violated when the stakes are high.
The concept of “anything goes” underscores the brutal truth that war is a test of strategy, strength, and resilience—not morality.
For soldiers and nations alike, the challenge is finding a balance between achieving victory and maintaining a shred of humanity in an environment where fairness is a forgotten concept.
Keywords: fairness in war, war tactics, anything goes in war, ethics of warfare, military strategy
Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the absence of fairness in war?
Should nations strive to uphold rules, or is victory at any cost justified? Share your perspective below.
