Isolation

Action

Prevent them from traveling, effectively containing them in one place.

Lay siege to their main cities and fortresses.

Blow up bridges and mine roads so they cannot easily travel along particular routes.

Blockade or bomb ports so they cannot receive supplies or support by sea, or otherwise gain naval advantage.

Break up their great armies into smaller units, then do not permit them to reform. Then destroy or capture each unit separately.

If you cannot do this to the entire enemy, do so to parts of it.

Isolation can also be bone politically. Turn all parties against your enemy. Seduce their allies. Conquer their friends. Give them no place to turn for succour or support.

Analysis

When you are cut off from the world, communication is often difficult, making choosing one's next move difficult. Isolated armies are unable to rejoin a main force and are easier to defeat. This can be a demoralizing position.

Isolation is similar to encirclement but does not force the choice between fighting or capitulation. An isolated force can stay where they are or perhaps move further away in unguarded but unhelpful directions.

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Isolation

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