Written by: Finn Seiffert

Supervised by: Elise Alsteens & Kevin Whitehead

Edited by: Theodora Posta

Although many wars are started with the assumption of an achievable, quick victory, the vast majority of wars tend to develop into protracted conflicts that go on far longer than the aggressor had expected. Such wars involve a heavy element of attrition, and are won through superior industrial production, manpower, and the ability to tactically and strategically adapt military actions to this reality. The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, despite its technological novelties, represents just the newest observable instance of this process. Nevertheless, the element of attrition is neglected in European and American military doctrine, representing a key weakness in Western military planning for peer-to-peer and great power conflict. It is crucial to reincorporate the lessons of attrition and consider its role in warfare to ensure Europe’s readiness for future conflict.