Part 5/10:
Perhaps the most compelling idea in The Art of War is that the ultimate victory is winning without fighting. Sun Tzu suggests attacking the enemy’s strategy, alliances, or armies directly, but warns against the destructive nature of attacking cities or engaging in prolonged sieges. Such tactics drain resources and prolong conflicts unnecessarily.
The concept extends to modern conflict resolution: negotiation, psychological warfare, and strategic deception can lead to victory while minimizing bloodshed. Deception, such as feigning weakness or distance, keeps opponents off balance and allows for advantageous surprise attacks.