“The object of war is victory; that of victory is conquest; and that of conquest preservation.”
- January 18, 1689 – February 10, 1755
- French
- Political Philosopher, Jurist, Author of The Spirit of the Laws
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Quote
“The object of war is victory; that of victory is conquest; and that of conquest preservation.”
Explanation
Montesquieu offers a logical progression of warfare’s aims, revealing the deeper political motives behind military conflict. War begins with the pursuit of victory, a strategic goal necessary to overpower an opponent. Victory then leads to conquest, the act of acquiring territory, people, or influence. But ultimately, the true aim of conquest is not endless expansion—it is preservation: maintaining power, order, and control over what has been gained.
This chain reflects Montesquieu’s broader analysis of power in The Spirit of the Laws, where he dissects how governments and empires use war not just for defense or glory, but as a calculated tool of governance. His observation is both descriptive and cautionary: war must serve a purpose beyond destruction, and that purpose should be sustainable rule, not reckless ambition.
In the modern world, this insight applies to both historical empires and contemporary geopolitical strategies. Military action, if pursued, must ultimately lead to stability and security—not chaos or perpetual conflict. Montesquieu reminds us that the legitimacy of war lies not just in winning, but in what follows: how the victors govern, preserve peace, and respect the lives altered by their campaigns.
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