In a War, which is preferable?
1. A Cease Fire with no side as the clear winner.
2. A complete Victory over ones opponent.
What are the fundamental benefits and downsides of each?
International Level: Politician / Political Participation: 109 10.9%
I guess it might depend on why the war was started. If it was to gain land complete annihilation of the opposing civilization would be best. If they all died (man woman and child) The chance of an uprising is less and dominance is easier to maintain.
If the war was over some political issue perhaps talks would eventually work the issue out. After all if both sides see neither can win then resolution of a more peaceful kind might prevail for the short term at least. In the long run if political unrest continues a second war will erupt when one side figures they have an advantage again. In the end this could lead to a partnership of two countries strengthening both of them globally.
International Level: Senior Politician / Political Participation: 188 18.8%
I never stated it up I assumed the cease fire was due to the fact neither side was giving and inch and the result would be utter poverty for both if they continued.
International Level: Senior Politician / Political Participation: 188 18.8%
Say one side has the advantage, but would only win after some serious losses. If they commit to the cease fire it may give them a few years of peace, but it will ultimately lead to War sometime in the future after the enemy has had time to regroup and rearm.
International Level: Politician / Political Participation: 109 10.9%
Are you familiar with the: Rules of War. (Related Topic)
If you are unable to complete the task of complete victory with out devastating all of your own resources then you have not won a complete victory in the war unless those around you are in no better shape so as to rise up against you.
If you can negotiate the cease fire it opens up the possibility of putting a financial war on the opponent while you regain strength. So perhaps political alliances with third parties are the key to the success in the longer run. The wall you face hitting is that the third party gets too involved and rises against you if you attempt an open war latter. They may prefer for their own gains to see both parties remain at peace.
International Level: Senior Politician / Political Participation: 188 18.8%