Page 110 - MDSL Final

MARITIME DOCTRINE OF SRI LANKA

CHAPTER 7

PRINCIPLES OF WAR

The days back in the inception of human being existed in the ancient
world there was an uncertainty in dealings amongst them, danger in
relations, friction and struggle one another for human will. This condition
prevails to date and appears to be continued in the future. This paradox
along with organised society created the second oldest profession in the
world, which is said to be the ‘Profession of Arms’. The development
of technology with the organised societies led to dominate over the
individuals and other organised societies to suppress human will over
the others in order to sustain own. This mechanism added new concept
called warfare. 53

The word war derived from the old high German language ‘werran’
meaning to say; to confuse or to cause confusion. The same meaning
continued to exist in the English language word ‘werre’ or war. Sun
54
Tzu wrote the Art of War in 5th Century BC and endorsed the similar
meaning saying that “All warfare is based on deception.”

Warfare strategically framed mainly based on the human will, political
objectives, economical might, information, diplomacy, human, machine,
equipment and technological interaction, logistics, traditions, norms,
customs, laws. Summarily Diplomacy, Information, Military and Economy
(DIME) are identified as main instruments of national power to protect
own interest whilst influencing the interest of others. National policy
objectives are achieved through the coherent and effective application
of Diplomacy, Military and Economy of national power underpinned
by Information. Full spectrum of approach is the strongest position/
condition one can gain in the face of any given situation to achieve
national interests.

92 To Nurture a Stable Environment at Sea