Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” is a timeless masterpiece, offering profound insights into the nature of conflict and the strategies essential for victory. Exploring the third chapter, “Attack By Stratagem,” we delve into Sun Tzu’s strategic brilliance, extracting valuable lessons for contemporary leaders and strategists.
If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.
From the importance of preservation over destruction to the nuances of tactical maneuvering and the role of leadership in statecraft, Sun Tzu’s teachings continue to illuminate the path to success in warfare and beyond.
Join us as we uncover the strategic wisdom embedded within the pages of this ancient text, guiding us toward strategic excellence and triumph in the face of adversity.
The Importance of Preservation Over Destruction
In the practical art of war, the best thing of all is to take the enemy’s country whole and intact; to shatter and destroy it is not so good. So, too, it is better to recapture an army entire than to destroy it, to capture a regiment, a detachment or a company entire than to destroy them.
Sun Tzu’s emphasis on preserving the enemy’s assets rather than destroying them reflects a nuanced understanding of strategic objectives. In warfare, the ultimate goal is not merely to defeat the opponent but to secure lasting advantages. By capturing territories, resources, and manpower intact, a commander can strengthen their position while weakening the adversary.
This principle extends beyond the battlefield to encompass broader strategic considerations. In business, for example, mergers and acquisitions often prioritize acquiring valuable assets and talent rather than dismantling the acquired company. Similarly, diplomatic negotiations may seek to forge alliances and partnerships rather than isolating or antagonizing potential allies.
At its core, Sun Tzu’s dictum underscores the importance of foresight and restraint in achieving long-term success. Rather than pursuing short-term gains through destructive means, wise strategists leverage existing resources and relationships to secure sustainable advantages.
Achieving Victory Without Direct Conflict
Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.
Sun Tzu’s assertion that true excellence lies in overcoming the enemy’s resistance without resorting to direct conflict challenges conventional notions of warfare. Rather than engaging in costly battles of attrition, he advocates for strategic maneuvering and psychological warfare to undermine the adversary’s resolve.
This concept finds resonance in various arenas, from negotiation tactics to competitive strategy. For instance, companies often seek to outmaneuver competitors through innovation, market positioning, and strategic alliances rather than engaging in price wars or aggressive marketing campaigns.
Moreover, in diplomatic relations, skillful statesmanship aims to achieve policy objectives through diplomacy, economic incentives, and soft power rather than military intervention. Understanding adversaries’ underlying motivations and vulnerabilities allows one to exert influence and achieve strategic goals with minimal confrontation.
The Hierarchy of Strategic Objectives
Thus the highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy’s plans; the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy’s forces; the next in order is to attack the enemy’s army in the field; and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities.
Sun Tzu’s hierarchy of strategic objectives offers a framework for prioritizing actions and allocating resources effectively. At the apex lies the art of outmaneuvering the enemy’s plans, disrupting their intentions before they materialize. This proactive approach forestalls confrontation and destabilizes the adversary’s position, creating opportunities for decisive action.
Next in priority is preventing the consolidation of enemy forces, denying them the opportunity to amass strength and launch coordinated offensives. By disrupting communication, supply lines, and alliances, a savvy strategist can sow discord and weaken the enemy’s cohesion, rendering them vulnerable to attack.
While sometimes necessary, engaging the enemy on the battlefield is considered less desirable due to the inherent risks and uncertainties. Sun Tzu advises caution in committing to confrontations, advocating strategic patience and selective engagement to maximize advantages and minimize losses.
Finally, besieging walled cities is deemed the least favorable option, given such endeavors’ logistical challenges and attritional nature. Sun Tzu warns against protracted sieges, which drain resources, demoralize troops, and prolong conflicts unnecessarily.
Avoiding Protracted Sieges
The rule is, not to besiege walled cities if it can possibly be avoided. The preparation of mantlets, movable shelters, and various implements of war, will take up three whole months; and the piling up of mounds over against the walls will take three months more.
Sun Tzu’s warning against protracted sieges underscores such endeavors’ logistical and psychological challenges. Preparing and executing sieges requires considerable time, resources, and manpower, diverting attention from more pressing strategic objectives.
Moreover, prolonged sieges often result in physical and psychological attrition among besieging forces. The hardships endured, coupled with the uncertainty of success, eroded morale and cohesion, diminishing the effectiveness of the besieging army over time.
From a strategic standpoint, the opportunity cost of a prolonged siege can be significant. While the besieging army is preoccupied with a single objective, other opportunities or threats may arise elsewhere, necessitating a reallocation of resources and attention.
The Pitfalls of Impulsive Aggression
The general, unable to control his irritation, will launch his men to the assault like swarming ants, with the result that one-third of his men are slain while the town still remains untaken. Such are the disastrous effects of a siege.
Sun Tzu’s cautionary tale of impulsive aggression is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked emotions and hasty decision-making in warfare. The image of a general launching his troops into battle like “swarming ants” underscores the folly of reckless aggression, which often leads to devastating losses without achieving strategic objectives.
Impulsive aggression stems from a lack of strategic foresight and emotional control, clouding judgment and impairing rational decision-making. When commanders allow emotions such as anger, frustration, or impatience to dictate their actions, they risk unnecessarily squandering valuable resources and sacrificing lives.
Moreover, impulsive aggression plays into the hands of the enemy, who may exploit the commander’s rashness to their advantage. By provoking a premature engagement or luring the impulsive commander into a trap, adversaries can inflict disproportionate losses and undermine the attacker’s strategic position.
Subduing the Enemy Through Subtlety
Therefore the skillful leader subdues the enemy’s troops without any fighting; he captures their cities without laying siege to them; he overthrows their kingdom without lengthy operations in the field.
Sun Tzu’s advocacy for subduing the enemy without resorting to confrontation epitomizes the art of strategic finesse and psychological warfare. By leveraging deception, manipulation, and strategic positioning, a skilled leader can undermine the enemy’s strength and dismantle defenses without engaging in protracted battles or sieges.
This approach, often referred to as “winning without fighting,” relies on the principle of asymmetrical warfare, wherein the weaker party exploits the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of the stronger adversary. The strategist can achieve objectives with minimal risk and resource expenditure by outmaneuvering and outsmarting the enemy.
Subduing the enemy through subtlety requires a deep understanding of human psychology and keen insight into the enemy’s intentions and capabilities. By exploiting their fears, doubts, and insecurities, the strategist can sow discord, confusion, and disunity within the enemy ranks, weakening their resolve and hastening their defeat.
By avoiding direct confrontation, the strategist maintains the element of surprise and retains the initiative, dictating the terms of engagement and forcing the enemy to react to their moves. This strategic advantage enables the subtle subjugation of the enemy’s forces and territories, securing victory without incurring unnecessary losses.
Strategic Maneuvering for Victory
With his forces intact he will dispute the mastery of the Empire, and thus, without losing a man, his triumph will be complete. This is the method of attacking by stratagem.
Sun Tzu’s strategic principles emphasize the importance of maneuvering and positioning to gain a decisive advantage over the enemy. Rather than relying solely on brute force, a skilled leader seeks to outmaneuver, outflank, and outwit the adversary, exploiting their weaknesses and vulnerabilities to achieve victory.
Central to Sun Tzu’s approach is maintaining the integrity of one’s forces while challenging the enemy’s dominance. By preserving cohesion and unity of purpose among troops, the commander ensures effective coordination and communication, enabling swift and decisive action on the battlefield.
Strategic maneuvering involves a combination of offensive and defensive tactics tailored to exploit the enemy’s weaknesses and capitalize on emerging opportunities. This may involve feints, diversions, and surprise attacks to confuse and disorient the enemy, disrupting their plans and sowing chaos within their ranks.
Strategic maneuvering extends beyond the battlefield to encompass broader geopolitical considerations. By forging alliances, cultivating diplomatic relations, and leveraging economic incentives, a savvy leader can shape the strategic landscape to their advantage, isolating adversaries and consolidating their position of strength.
Tactical Considerations Based on Force Disparity
It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy’s one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two. If equally matched, we can offer battle; if slightly inferior in numbers, we can avoid the enemy; if quite unequal in every way, we can flee from him.
Sun Tzu’s tactical prescriptions are tailored to the relative strength of one’s forces compared to the enemy, offering strategic guidance for asymmetrical confrontations. When outnumbered, the commander seeks to avoid confrontation, opting for guerrilla tactics, hit-and-run raids, and strategic withdrawals to harass and weaken the enemy over time.
Conversely, when holding numerical superiority, the commander seeks to leverage their strength through encirclement, frontal assaults, and overwhelming firepower to decisively crush the enemy’s resistance. By concentrating forces at decisive points and exploiting weaknesses in the enemy’s defenses, the commander can achieve victory with minimal losses.
Sun Tzu advises commanders to adapt tactics based on the fluid dynamics of the battlefield, seizing opportunities and exploiting vulnerabilities as they arise. Whether facing superior or inferior forces, the key is maintaining flexibility and initiative, adapting tactics to maximize advantages and minimize risks.
Recognizing the Role of Leadership in Statecraft
Now the general is the bulwark of the State; if the bulwark is complete at all points; the State will be strong; if the bulwark is defective, the State will be weak.
Sun Tzu’s emphasis on the role of leadership in safeguarding the state’s stability and strength underscores the broader implications of strategic thinking. Beyond military matters, the general is the bulwark against external threats, ensuring the state’s resilience and security through wise and decisive leadership.
Effective leadership extends beyond the battlefield to encompass governance, diplomacy, and statecraft. A competent leader fosters unity, cohesion, and loyalty among the populace, rallying support for common goals and inspiring confidence in times of crisis.
The general’s strategic vision and foresight shape the state’s long-term interests, guiding policy decisions and resource allocations to promote prosperity and security. By understanding the interplay of domestic and international factors, the leader navigates the complexities of geopolitics with wisdom and prudence.
Avoiding Misfortune Through Wise Leadership
There are three ways in which a ruler can bring misfortune upon his army:—
(1) By commanding the army to advance or to retreat, being ignorant of the fact that it cannot obey. This is called hobbling the army.
(2) By attempting to govern an army in the same way as he administers a kingdom, being ignorant of the conditions which obtain in an army. This causes restlessness in the soldier’s minds.
(3) By employing the officers of his army without discrimination, through ignorance of the military principle of adaptation to circumstances. This shakes the confidence of the soldiers.
Sun Tzu’s cautionary insights illuminate the potential pitfalls that rulers must navigate to safeguard their armies and ensure success on the battlefield. By identifying common mistakes and misconceptions, leaders can adopt a more enlightened approach to military command, minimizing risks and maximizing effectiveness.
The first misfortune Sun Tzu identifies is the folly of issuing commands without a thorough understanding of the army’s capabilities and limitations. Leaders who fail to grasp the realities of warfare risk overextending their forces or squandering opportunities through ill-conceived directives. This ignorance, termed “hobbling the army,” undermines morale and cohesion, leading to disarray and defeat.
Similarly, attempting to govern an army in the same manner as a kingdom—without regard for the unique dynamics of military operations—can breed discontent and confusion among troops. Military command requires a different skill set and mindset than civilian administration, necessitating adaptability and flexibility on the part of the ruler.
Finally, Sun Tzu warns against indiscriminately deploying officers without considering their suitability for specific tasks. Each officer brings unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, and effective leadership requires matching personnel to roles that align with their capabilities. Failure to do so undermines confidence and cohesion within the ranks, eroding the army’s effectiveness and inviting disaster.
Fostering Unity and Confidence
But when the army is restless and distrustful, trouble is sure to come from the other feudal princes. This is simply bringing anarchy into the army, and flinging victory away.
Central to Sun Tzu’s philosophy is the recognition that a cohesive and confident army is essential for success on the battlefield. Unity of purpose, shared values, and mutual trust among troops lay the foundation for effective coordination and cooperation, enabling commanders to achieve strategic objectives with precision and efficiency.
Fostering unity and confidence requires effective leadership characterized by clarity of vision, strength of character, and empathy for the troops. Leaders who lead by example, communicate openly, and prioritize the welfare of their soldiers inspire loyalty and commitment, forging a bond that transcends individual differences and fosters collective strength.
Cultivating a culture of confidence instills resilience and determination in adversity, enabling troops to withstand hardships and overcome challenges with resolve. Leaders empower soldiers to perform at their best, even in the most demanding circumstances by fostering a positive mindset and instilling belief in their abilities.
The Five Essentials for Victory
Thus we may know that there are five essentials for victory:
(1) He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight.
(2) He will win who knows how to handle both superior and inferior forces.
(3) He will win whose army is animated by the same spirit throughout all its ranks.
(4) He will win who, prepared himself, waits to take the enemy unprepared.
(5) He will win who has military capacity and is not interfered with by the sovereign.
Sun Tzu distills the essence of victory into five fundamental principles, each essential for achieving success on the battlefield. These principles serve as guiding lights for commanders, offering strategic direction and insight into the dynamics of warfare.
First and foremost is the importance of timing, knowing when to engage or disengage based on the prevailing circumstances. Strategic patience and discernment enable commanders to seize opportunities and exploit vulnerabilities with precision and foresight.
Secondly, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of adaptability in handling both superior and inferior forces. By leveraging strengths and mitigating weaknesses, commanders can maximize advantages and minimize risks, ensuring favorable outcomes in diverse tactical situations.
Furthermore, unity of purpose is paramount, animating the entire army with a shared spirit and sense of mission. Cohesion and camaraderie among troops foster resilience and determination, enabling commanders to overcome obstacles and achieve victory against formidable adversaries.
Moreover, preparedness is key, as commanders who anticipate and plan for contingencies are better equipped to seize opportunities and respond to threats effectively. By maintaining readiness and vigilance, leaders ensure their forces are always one step ahead of the enemy.
Finally, Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of military autonomy and sovereign authority in achieving victory. Commanders empowered to make decisions and act decisively can exploit opportunities and respond to threats with agility and confidence, ensuring success on the battlefield.
Sun Tzu’s five essentials for victory provide a comprehensive framework for success in warfare, guiding commanders toward strategic excellence and triumph on the battlefield. By embodying these principles, leaders can navigate the complexities of warfare with wisdom, courage, and foresight, securing victory against even the most formidable adversaries.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War” remains a beacon of strategic wisdom, offering timeless insights into the complexities of conflict and the principles of effective leadership. From the imperative of preservation over destruction to the art of subduing the enemy through subtlety, Sun Tzu’s teachings resonate with enduring relevance in today’s dynamic world.
By embracing Sun Tzu’s strategic principles described in Chapter 3: Attack By Stratagem and cultivating a mindset of foresight, adaptability, and resilience, leaders can navigate the challenges of warfare and statecraft with wisdom and confidence, securing victory and shaping history. As we heed Sun Tzu’s timeless counsel, let us strive for strategic excellence and triumph in all our endeavors.
This article is a part of a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of The Art of War by Sun Tzu. The previous chapter was Waging War and up next is Tactical Dispositions.