The underlying motive behind every dispute is the desire to assert power over the other party, or the fear of being outdone.
The aim of de-escalation is to clarify the conflict and resolve it constructively.
In many cases, conflicts cannot be de-escalated and, due to a lack of effective alternative means, escalation is inevitable.
Japanese culture, religion and the art of warfare on the battlefield have also been significantly influenced by the insights of Chinese scholars and military commanders. In traditional accounts, the Chinese general Sunzi (‘Master Sun’) is quoted from his writings as saying:
The greatest achievement is to break the enemy’s resistance without a fight.
General Sun Zi (‘Master Sun’)
If, in a conflict, de-escalation has become impossible and other means of averting a confrontation have been ruled out, the only options remaining in the elimination process are surrender or launching an attack, provided that sufficient suitable resources are available.