Strategic Military Assessment

Overview

A framework for assessing the viability of military campaigns against nomadic or highly mobile enemies, weighing costs against potential gains.

Assessment Criteria

1. Distance Analysis: Evaluate the logistics of fighting at a distance

   • "千里而战，兵不获利" (Fighting at a thousand li, troops gain no advantage)

2. Enemy Characteristics: Assess the adversary's nature

   • Mobility: "迁徙鸟举" (migrate like birds taking flight)
   • Unpredictability: "怀禽兽之心" (harboring the heart of wild beasts)
   • Difficulty to control: "难得而制" (hard to capture and control)

3. Territory Value: Evaluate what would be gained

   • Land: "得其地不足以为广" (gaining their land is insufficient for expansion)
   • Population: "有其众不足以为彊" (possessing their people is insufficient for strength)

4. Force Degradation: Consider how your forces weaken over distance