Introduction to War Declarations and Unfought Conflicts

The concept of declaring war on another country and then not actually fighting is not a rare occurrence. While it is difficult to provide examples without digging deeper, it has happened several times throughout history, serving various strategic and diplomatic purposes. One of the most notable examples is the mindset that emerged during the period known as the Phony War, which saw England and France declaring war on Germany but taking no military action for several months after the invasion of Poland.

The Phony War and its Lessons

In 1939, England and France joined Germany's enemies when they declared war following the invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany. However, instead of beginning immediate hostilities, both nations engaged in a period of inaction that lasted for over eight months. This period is famously referred to as the Phony War. Despite the declaration of war, the primary actions taken by the western Allies were limited to the implementation of a partial blockade and the mobilization of armed forces for potential conflict. The Germans, lacking a significant threat in the west, felt emboldened to launch the lightning campaign that led to the fall of France and the evacuation of British troops to the UK via the historic Dunkirk Evacuation.

The lesson from the Phony War is clear: a mere declaration of war without corresponding action is merely a formality without any real consequence. It is imperative for any nation that declares war to be prepared to follow through with military action.

Consequences of Unfought Wars

When one country declares war on another, the latter is entitled to retaliate militarily. Consequently, the absence of a fight can be as significant as its existence. This situation often occurs with a large, powerful nation declaring war on a smaller one. In such cases, the smaller nation is given a chance to surrender before any hostilities commence, ensuring a potentially bloodless victory for the more powerful nation.

Technically at War: Historical Examples

One notable example of two nations technically being at war, but never actually engaging in armed conflict, is the situation between Russia and Japan in the aftermath of World War II. Since a formal peace treaty has not been signed, both countries remain technically at war. The complexities of the Russian-Japanese situation are further magnified by unresolved territorial disputes, making any dialogue for a peace settlement challenging.

Similarly, countries such as Peru and Lesotho have declared war on each other, though very little, if any, fighting has taken place. This is because the geographical isolation of Lesotho, a small nation in southern Africa, makes a direct confrontation highly unlikely due to the vast distances and inaccessibility of the region.

Some declarations of war serve more as diplomatic maneuvers. For instance, when the UK declared war on Finland in 1941, it was a response to Finland's joining of Germany's efforts against the Soviet Union. Despite these declarations, no significant military engagement occurred, highlighting that some wars remain at the diplomatic level with no actual military confrontation.

Wider Conflict and Sibling Nations

In some cases, a declaration of war by one nation is influenced by broader conflicts and alliances. The UK's declaration of war on Finland was part of a larger conflict involving the wider European theatre. Finland's actions were part of a larger front against the Soviet Union, making the declaration of war by the UK and other Allied nations a strategic move rather than a direct response to Finnish aggression.

In conclusion, while declarations of war are often formal acts of aggression, the outcome of such declarations may vary depending on the strategic, diplomatic, and geographical contexts. It is important for nations to understand the potential consequences of their actions and to ensure that declarations of war lead to actual military engagement if they wish to see tangible results.