![]() Did the Allies win World War I because the enemy laid down their arms and signed the Treaty of Versailles? Twenty years later, that same enemy re-emerged with similar ambitions, leading the world into a costlier war. Beyond suffering, each war has its own dark uniqueness, and this is exemplified by defining victory. The only universal thing in war is suffering. If it’s unknown how a war is supposed to end, then how can it be known if, or when, the endgame has been achieved? To know if one has won, one must know what the goal was. To some it may equate to a balance scale of blood and treasure. The definition of winning may be based on metrics of violence and stability within a country at a given point. For some wars, victory means deposing the other side’s political system and replacing it with one of the victor’s choosing. Is a war won by the armed forces of one side capitulating and laying down their arms? In a traditional sense, a war is won by a signature on a piece of paper. Victory is diversely defined, can be influenced by society, and in the end is founded on a common understanding of how a conflict is supposed to end. ![]() What these discussions lack is a baseline for the definition of winning. In public and professional military circles, discussion continues about America “winning” past wars compared to recent failed endeavors. ![]() AUSA Volunteer Family of the Year Award.Letters to Congress & the Administration. ![]()
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