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I think it's a semantic difference between "attacking" and "defending". For some, attacking means the first party to engage in violence. Regardless, this was an

I think it's a semantic difference between "attacking" and "defending". For some, attacking means the first party to engage in violence. Regardless, this was an act of violence even if it was preceded by other acts of violence.

EthanHeilman 9y ago
At the strategic level offensive and defense refers to the side which has positive war aims. That is, Attackers are trying to change the current state in their favor (e.g. seizing territory or regime change) whereas defenders are attempting to resist this change (i.e. maintaining the status quo). This can sometimes be complex as both sides in a war may have positive strategic aims.