It is simply not true that war is solely a means to an end, nor do people necessarily fight in order to obtain this objective or that. In fact, the opposite is true: people very often take up one objective or another precisely in order that they may fight.
Martin Van CreveldWe possess several hundred atomic warheads and rockets and can launch them at targets in all directions, perhaps even at Rome. Most European capitals are targets of our air force.
Martin Van CreveldExcept when war is waged in a desert, noncombatants, also known as civilians or "the people," constitute the great majority of those affected.
Martin Van Creveld