Strategic and tactical considerations always involve the moral and ethical values of the warring parties. Most social and moral values are subject to change.
The most fundamental value is inherent in life itself: not to destroy life and thereby bring an end to the development of a living being, but to preserve life and to foster the development of all living beings towards the fulfilment of their natural purpose.
As a participant in the Russo-Japanese War, the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, witnessed the horrors of war, as well as death and destruction.
He recognised the futility of warfare. Through his friendship with Onisaburo Deguchi, the co-founder of the Omoto-kyo religious sect, Ueshiba developed personally, both spiritually and ethically, in accordance with the principles and teachings of that sect.
True budo is not about destroying one’s opponent;
Morihei Ueshiba
it is far better to defeat an attacker mentally,
so that he gives up his attack of his own accord.
Based on his personal development, he defined the strategy in Aikido such that it should always, under all circumstances, be subordinate to non-violence.