Enemy Quote by James Mattis
“No war is over until the enemy says it's over. We may think it over, we may declare it over, but in fact, the enemy gets a vote.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Military Leadership Address, 2015
War persists until the opponent declares defeat; victory is a political act, not just a battlefield outcome.
In simple terms: War ends only when the enemy concedes.
Key Takeaway
Seek political resolution, not just military victory.
Themes
war
politics
victory
Mood
serious
strategic
Type
military
political
When to use this quote
- peace negotiations
- conflict resolution
- public statements
Key Concepts
strategic termination
enemy morale
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines true victory in war?
- How can political solutions be prioritized over force?
A Different Perspective
Enemy may never concede, prolonging conflict.
![“I can't imagine that I would be asked that by the president-elect [Donald Trump], or then-president [Barack Obama]. But it's - I'm very clear. I voted for the change that put the Army Field Manual in place as a member of Congress. I understand that law very, very quickly and am also deeply aware…” quote by James Mattis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/761/james-mattis-9515_army_i-can-t-imagine-that-i-would-be-asked-th_3990.jpg)
