Collateral Victims: The Tangible Manifestation of Political Decisions

This paper examines the relationship between civilian casualties in armed conflicts, often referred to as “collateral victims,” and the political strategic decisions that influence them. Grounded in the notion that wars rarely target their true instigators, the study analyses how political priorities can divert military actions from their “ideal” objectives, leading to predictable humanitarian tragedies. Through historical case studies, the text highlights tensions between political directives and military recommendations, resulting in significant civilian casualties and phenomena such as “rebel commanders.” It is argued that the impunity of wartime leaders is deeply rooted in political, diplomatic, and economic interests. The article concludes that while the cessation of war remains challenging, it is crucial to confront its true origins, advocating for greater accountability and a broader understanding of the human cost of war, which far exceeds military losses.