What is the ultimate means for a commander to impose their will on an enemy force?

The ultimate means for a commander to impose their will on an enemy force is through offensive operations. This approach is characterized by proactive engagement with the enemy, allowing a commander to shape the battlefield and dictate the terms of conflict. Offensive operations enable forces to seize and maintain the initiative, disrupt enemy plans, and create conditions favorable to achieving strategic objectives.

By taking the offensive, a commander is not only reacting to enemy actions but actively determining the pace and direction of the conflict. This can lead to decisive victories that not only weaken the enemy's military capabilities but can also serve to undermine their morale. Such operations often involve maneuvering to exploit weaknesses in the enemy's defenses, leading to breakthroughs that can decisively alter the outcome of engagements.

In contrast, defensive operations focus on resisting and repelling enemy advances rather than taking the initiative. While they are critical for preserving forces and holding strategic positions, they do not provide the same opportunities for dictating the course of an engagement as offensive operations.

Negotiation and coercive diplomacy play important roles in conflict resolution, but they do not involve direct military action. Instead, these approaches are more about managing relationships and leveraging power without necessarily imposing will through force.