Montesquieu: 'The object of war is victory; that of victory is conquest; and that of conquest preservation.'

The object of war is victory; that of victory is conquest; and that of conquest preservation.

In his famous quote, Montesquieu succinctly captures the essence of war and its subsequent outcomes. He states, "The object of war is victory; that of victory is conquest; and that of conquest preservation." This quote can be understood as emphasizing the cyclical nature of wars and the ultimate goal of preserving what has been conquered. At first glance, it appears to convey a straightforward idea about the motivations and objectives of warfare. However, when juxtaposed with the intriguing philosophical concept of non-violence, the quote takes on a deeper meaning.At its core, Montesquieu's quote underscores the fact that the main objective of engaging in war is to achieve victory. It highlights the inherent desire for dominance and superiority that often drives nations into conflict. By definition, war entails a struggle for triumph over an adversary, which reflects the primal instinct within human nature to conquer what is seen as a threat or hindrance. Victory, then, becomes the immediate goal in the context of war.Yet, Montesquieu goes one step further and asserts that conquest is the ultimate aim of victory. This assertion suggests that the spoils of war are not limited to defeating the enemy but encompass the acquisition and annexation of their territory, resources, and power. Conquest implies the expansion of influence and control, allowing the victorious side to extend its dominion over new lands or populations. This notion reveals not only the physical consequences of victory but also the potential for long-term political and economic gains.The final part of Montesquieu's quote focuses on the preservation of what has been conquered. This element acknowledges the necessity of safeguarding newfound territories, resources, and power. History is replete with examples of empires rising and falling due to the ability or failure to preserve their conquests. Through this perspective, preservation becomes the fundamental objective of conquest, the consolidation of power as a means to ensure the stability and longevity of the victors.Now, let us delve into an unexpected philosophical concept that serves as an intriguing counterpoint to Montesquieu's ideas on war and conquest – non-violence. Non-violence, or the practice of peaceful resolution of conflicts, challenges the conventional understanding of war and its aims. It advocates for the pursuit of peace and harmony instead of seeking victory through violence.While at first glance, these two concepts may appear fundamentally incompatible, a closer examination reveals interesting points of comparison. Both war and non-violence can be driven by a desire for preservation, albeit in contrasting ways. War seeks to preserve what has been conquered by force, while non-violence aims to preserve freedom, justice, and human dignity without resorting to violence. Both approaches recognize the importance of preservation but diverge significantly in their respective methods.Moreover, the underlying motivations of war and non-violence share a common thread - the pursuit of a desirable outcome. In war, victory is seen as the desired end, while in non-violence, it is the establishment of peace and justice. The distinction lies in the means employed to achieve these ends, with war relying on aggression and conquest, and non-violence advocating for dialogue, compromise, and diplomacy.Montesquieu's quote encapsulates the relentless cycle of war and conquest, shedding light on the motivations and objectives of armed conflicts throughout history. It highlights the pursuit of victory, the craving for conquest, and the paramount importance of preservation. However, by introducing the concept of non-violence, we are compelled to question the inevitability of this cycle and explore alternative methods of resolving conflicts.