Meaning: This quote by Douglas Haig, a British senior officer during World War I, reflects the inevitability of prolonged conflict when two opposing forces are closely matched and there are no strategic advantages such as flanking maneuvers. Haig's statement encapsulates the understanding that when two evenly matched forces confront each other with similar levels of determination and morale, a protracted struggle for dominance becomes unavoidable.

During World War I, Douglas Haig served as the commander of the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front, where he witnessed the brutal and protracted nature of trench warfare. The context of this quote is rooted in the experiences and observations of Haig during this tumultuous period of history.

The first part of the quote, "So long as the opposing forces are at the outset approximately equal in numbers and moral," highlights the importance of relative parity in terms of both numerical strength and morale between the opposing forces. When two sides are evenly matched in terms of their resources and determination, it often leads to a prolonged and arduous struggle for supremacy. This parity can lead to a stalemate, where neither side is able to decisively overcome the other.

The second part of the quote, "and there are no flanks to turn," underscores the significance of strategic positioning and maneuvering in warfare. In traditional military strategy, flanking maneuvers are a key tactic used to gain a positional advantage over an enemy by attacking their vulnerable sides or rear. Haig's reference to the absence of flanks to turn suggests that in a scenario where both sides are evenly matched and there are no strategic vulnerabilities to exploit, a prolonged struggle for dominance becomes inevitable.

The quote reflects the grim reality of the attritional nature of warfare, particularly during the trench warfare of World War I. The lack of significant technological advantages or strategic breakthroughs often led to prolonged battles with high casualties and minimal territorial gains. Haig's understanding of the challenges posed by such situations is evident in his acknowledgment of the inevitability of a long struggle for supremacy under these specific conditions.

In modern military strategy, the principles underlying Haig's quote continue to hold relevance. The concept of relative parity and the absence of strategic vulnerabilities as factors contributing to prolonged conflict are fundamental considerations in assessing the dynamics of contemporary warfare. Additionally, the quote serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of certain aspects of warfare, despite advancements in technology and changes in tactical doctrines.

In conclusion, Douglas Haig's quote encapsulates the enduring truth that when opposing forces are closely matched in numbers and morale, and there are no strategic advantages to exploit, a prolonged struggle for supremacy becomes inevitable. This understanding, rooted in the experiences of World War I, continues to offer valuable insights into the dynamics of warfare and the challenges of achieving dominance in the face of relative parity and strategic stasis.