Flankområdet

Flankområdet refers to the sides of a military formation or a defensive line. In military strategy, controlling or exploiting the flank is crucial for gaining an advantage. Attacking the flank, also known as a flanking maneuver, aims to bypass the enemy's front defenses and strike their less protected sides. This can lead to the enemy's formation being enveloped or forced to withdraw. Conversely, protecting one's own flanks is essential to prevent such attacks and maintain the integrity of the defensive position.

Historically, effective flanking maneuvers have been decisive in many battles. For instance, Hannibal's victory at Cannae involved a double envelopment, a sophisticated form of flanking. In modern warfare, while the principles remain, the nature of warfare, including the use of mechanized units and air power, has altered how flanking operations are conducted. Nevertheless, understanding and manipulating the flank area continues to be a fundamental aspect of military tactics and strategy across various domains. The term can also be applied metaphorically in other contexts to describe a less defended or vulnerable side of a situation or argument.