Kriegsführung

Kriegsführung, or war conduct, refers to the art and science of planning, directing, and sustaining armed conflict to achieve political objectives. It covers the methods by which military power is applied, including setting objectives, allocating resources, and coordinating forces across domains. The term describes both long-term strategic aims and the day-to-day actions on the battlefield.

Traditionally Kriegsführung is analyzed at three interrelated levels: strategic, operational, and tactical. Strategy defines political purpose and resource allocation over time. Operational art translates strategy into campaigns and major actions linking ends and means. Tactics govern the immediate actions of units, terrain use, and engagement with the enemy. It also covers land, sea, air, and increasingly space and cyberspace, as well as joint, multinational, and irregular warfare.

Core considerations include the principles of war—mass, economy of force, unity of command, surprise, security, and objective. The conduct of warfare is bound by international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict, which require distinction, proportionality, necessity, and precautions to protect civilians. Logistics, intelligence, communications, and command and control are essential to sustain operations and maintain tempo.

Historically, Kriegsführung has evolved from classical battles to industrial-age total war and, today, to operations relying on technology, networks, and information dominance. Modern trends include hybrid and asymmetric warfare, cyber operations, urban combat, and the ongoing effort to balance military objectives with civilian harm and political legitimacy. The study of Kriegsführung remains central to doctrine, planning, and state security.