ABSTRACT

In warfare, someone who invades your territory is cast in the tactical role of a "guest," while you are the "host" and so cannot lightly engage in battle. Rather, since the officers and troops are concerned about their homes, you must stabilize the army, assemble the people, occupy the valleys, protect the cities, make preparations in the narrows, and sever the enemy's supply route. If the invaders try to provoke you into combat, they will not succeed; meanwhile, supplies thought to be en route will not arrive. If you then wait for them to become distressed and fatigued before attacking, you will certainly be victorious. A tactical principle from the Art of War states: "When one fights on his own territory, it is 'dispersive terrain.'"