Ratovanje

Ratovanje is a term used in Croatian, Bosnian, and Serbian to denote warfare, the organized conduct of armed conflict between states, coalitions, or other organized groups. The root rat means war, and the suffix -ovanje forms a noun indicating the activity or process of doing something. In general use, ratovanje refers to the strategic planning, management, and execution of armed combat aimed at achieving political or territorial objectives.

Warfare comprises strategy, tactics, logistics, intelligence, and command and control, along with the weapons, equipment, and technologies employed. It can be conventional, involving regular armed forces, or irregular, such as guerrilla warfare and insurgencies. Modern warfare also includes cyber operations, information warfare, economic pressure, and hybrid approaches that combine multiple means to disrupt an opponent.

Historically, ratovanje evolved from ancient and medieval warfare to early modern conflicts with gunpowder, to industrial-age wars powered by mechanization, and to contemporary conflicts that often involve non-state actors, rapid mobility, precision weapons, and networked communications. The conduct of war has repeatedly raised questions about civilian protection and legal limits.

The study and practice of ratovanje intersect with international law. Jus ad bellum concerns the legality of resorting to war, while jus in bello governs conduct within war, aiming to limit harm to civilians and to regulate weapons and tactics. Treaties, tribunals, and institutions seek to prevent and resolve conflicts and to promote accountability.