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

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.