This forum is dedicated to discussing “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. As a disclaimer I must state clearly I am not advocating physical violence or any other, immoral, unethical, or illegal act.
This book has all the wisdom and teaching any good soldier would want to know. It discusses the principals and strategies for winning campaigns. We will discuss how it applies to our struggle and enlighten ourselves with it’s teachings.
Here’s a link to the text:
The Art of War
I think a quote goes that diplomacy is war without the use of arms? Correct me if I am wrong; a gsearch is not pulling it up for me…
@sciguy24 I suppose that Sun Tzu’s teachings provide an interesting lens through which to view the Democratic strategy for the upcoming election and their current failings. To win the election, Democrats must unite their electoral coalition against voter suppression efforts and remember that winning the election is dependent upon voter turnout. Without sufficient voter turnout, the Democrats won’t win.
In ‘The Art of War,’ Sun Tzu famously states that ‘the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.’ This ancient wisdom holds true in the metaphysical battlefield of the 2024 election. The American democracy is a complex battlefield, and the Democratic Party is facing a Republican faction with authoritarian ambitions. The Democrats’ most potent weapon, voter turnout, is the key to a democratically favourable outcome in the election.
When the Democrats chose Kamala Harris as their candidate, they demonstrated an understanding, whether consciously or not, that they needed to rally a diverse array of supporters, including progressives, liberals, centrists, minority groups, the youth and disenchanted voters. However, as Sun Tzu reminds us, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” While the Democrats are seemingly aware of their broad base, they appear reluctant to grant the necessary concessions to motivate and drive these factions to show up to vote. If voter turnout for even one of the factions of this coalition is depressed, their chances of electoral victory are greatly diminished.
Of course, the Republicans are prepared and primed for action. Sun Tzu emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s opponent: “The opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.” It is reasonable to conclude that the GOP sees that they have a chance to further their authoritarian ambitions and further impose the traditions and institutions they desire, enabling stricter control of the general population and a more hierarchical society. Their base is likely motivated by the fact that Trump’s presidency exposed how their longtime efforts to establish and move towards authoritarianism are closer to realization than ever before. The Democrats should anticipate a historic turnout from these motivated voters. Sun Tzu’s warning that “victory is reserved for those willing to pay its price” applies here. Republicans will likely go to great lengths to mobilize their supporters while discouraging Democratic voters.
Accordingly, the Democrats cannot overlook Republican efforts to depress voter turnout. Voter suppression laws employed by the Republicans, along with efforts to corrupt or undermine the electoral process, drive this depression of voter turnout. Sun Tzu states that “all warfare is based on deception,” and these tactics aim to confuse and discourage voters from participating. The Democrats must counter these efforts with the appropriate legal challenges, encourage grassroots efforts, and communicate and demonstrate to all voters that their voices matter.
Finally, the Democrats must understand Sun Tzu’s words: “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” While it seems that the 2024 election might be characterized by chaos and violence, the outcome is not a foregone conclusion. While Republican efforts lean towards authoritarianism, Democrats can counter these efforts by inspiring the typical voter with a vision of democracy, inclusion, and liberty. Unfortunately, this tactic relies upon ensuring that no voter feels alienated. The Democrats will fail at countering such an effort if they do not create a political platform and messaging that speaks to and grants concessions to the various factions that form their coalition of supporters.
Thank you for that very well written response. It is discussion of this level which draws me to forums like this.
I think the real enemy of progressives is our corrupt political system. Not a party or a person. Sun Tzu tells us to attack the weak points of our enemy and we should do so swiftly. The weak points of our political system is how politicians are bribed to benefit powerful interests – not the people. I think we need to go undercover in our own lives, our own jobs, wherever we can to form a grassroots movement which exposes the corruption anywhere we can find it. We need to use our phones, especially those cameras! 
This would be political guerilla warfare. Our enemy wouldn’t know how to react because we would constantly be attacking them. Then once they get tired of being attacked they will surrender.
Politics is definitely war but sometimes arms find a way into it too.
“Sun Tzu said: The Art of War is of vital importance to the state. It is a matter of Life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.”
These are the two passages of The Art of War. We should accept this and not deny it. We are in a political war and a war of ideas. We shouldn’t deny it or run from it. If we deceive ourselves in thinking otherwise we will suffer unending defeats.
1.26 “Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.”
This is so true. How many times do we go into debates unprepared? I can’t tell you how many times my blood pressure has elevated when I see someone on TV debating a conservative and they aren’t ready for war. That’s what a debate is, it’s war of ideas, and if we want money out of politics we need to be ready for war because our enemy will not go down without a fight.
1.23 “Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected”. We have to be really smart about how we attack. If we want money out of politics, we have to be savvy with our media campaign. We need to endlessly talk about people who died because they were turned away by doctors. The right isn’t prepared for that. We need to attack that weak point.
Honest question: before I attempt to read this thread should I read The Art of War? Ooooh, I just realized we can italicize! 
I haven’t read the book from cover to cover yet so I would say no. The Art of War is a book of proverbs meant to be a guide for generals back in Ancient China by Sun Tzu (pronounced Sun Soo). I use it as a resource to discuss how it applies to our struggle. For example, the proverb “He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight” is a useful principle. We need to be focused on the battles we need to win and not be distracted by useless battles which gain us nothing. I think it’s a valuable resource and we should take advantage of it.
That makes total sense, thank you! I’ll be back to read the chat later. 
I think I should read the book!
Sorry for the novel here but I think you’ll like this…
Chapter 3 discusses strategy of attack. Here are some relevant passages.
"2. Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists in breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.
He goes on to say…
Victory lies in the knowledge of these five points.
I feel like we’re attacking walled cities where there is no breach. Immigration is a prime example. 53% of voters believed Trump was better on immigration. The voters want the border wall. Unless we have a good reason not to do it, give them the wall so they’ll shut up about it. Certainly, bad ideas shouldn’t be supported but if we’re obstructing a good idea merely to rob the republicans of a victory, that’s BS.
Statewide issues are a better battlefield for us to fight. In Florida, a major swing state, 57% of voters voted pro choice and 55% approved recreational weed. Yes they fell short of the required 60% but step back and look at the whole picture. People who actually voted for Trump also voted in favor of abortion rights and legalizing weed. On top of that, Trump himself actually endorsed recreational weed. We should capitalize on that!
While The Art of War offers strategic insights, it should be used selectively in politics to uphold democratic values. Some principles, like understanding your opponent’s strategies, building coalitions, and focusing on overlooked issues, can be ethically adapted to enhance campaign effectiveness. However, tactics rooted in deception and ruthlessness can backfire by deepening polarization, eroding trust, and compromising core values of transparency and fairness. Instead, progressives should focus on empowering communities, protecting democratic institutions, and addressing shared concerns like healthcare and fair wages, ensuring that strategy is aligned with integrity and justice.
I understand what you mean. In the context of politics we can safely say we shouldn’t deceive the American people. The text refers to deceiving “the enemy”. The enemy isn’t the American people. Instead it’s the powerful interests holding the people down. We’re in a street fight with these SOBs.
Go for broke.
This is war. It’s not an “honest disagreement among friends”. Do we think the financial powers let us pass medicare 4 all? We should make war on corruption in the political system first.
Ch. 4
Recognizing who the real enemy is and knowing how to defeat him is key. If we united our efforts and picked key goals to defeat we could win. If we find a moral high ground that both Trump voters and Liberals agree on (like recreational marijuana and getting rid of political corruption) then we can set the stage for a massive revolution in this country.
Apologies. Was quoting Street Fighter.