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Joint Force Quarterly

Abstract

Political objectives are the backbone of national and coalition security strategies, shaping the direction and outcomes of conflicts. Defined by political leaders with input from military advisors, these objectives must strike a balance between goals, resources, and methods to be achievable. However, the process is often complicated by competing priorities, biases, and the need to adapt to changing conditions. History has shown the dangers of mismatched resources, flawed intelligence, and unrealistic ambitions, as seen in conflicts like the Russo-Japanese War, Gulf War, and the Russia-Ukraine war. Clear and well-defined objectives—whether focused on defense, conquest, or diplomacy—are essential for success. Achieving these goals often requires combining military power with tools like diplomacy, economics, and information campaigns. While it’s rare, some objectives can even be reached without conflict. Ultimately, setting and achieving political objectives demands sound judgment, flexibility, and a deep understanding of both strategic realities and the adversary’s mindset.

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