An outside observer may perceive an attack and a defense as the logical antitheses of each other. However, “it is not so throughout in respect of every point” (349). In fact, in several ways, “there are no corresponding [features to an attack] in the defense” (349). It is also important to note that defense has both strong and weak aspects where the attacking side is at a disadvantage.

The defense in war is not an “absolute state of expectancy and warding off” (349). It is not “a completely passive state” but rather a relative one like its offensive counterpart (349). However, the two sides are “incessantly mixed up” with each other because every attack leads to a defense (349). Furthermore, the attack is not a continuous action but rather one with interruptions by periods of rest. Typically, the “attack is the weaker, the defense is the stronger form of war” (350). The circumstances of the defense and attack, the fortifications, and the troops themselves are also factors.

The overarching goal of a war is to overthrow the enemy and to destroy his troops. The means can be both offensive and defensive.