THE MODERN LIMITED WAR AND THE INSTITUTION OF WAR SANCTUARY

This analytical study examines the concept of modern limited war and the institution of war sanctuary in contemporary international conflict during the early 1980s. The article explores how major powers and regional actors have developed mechanisms to contain conflicts within specific geographical and operational parameters. The research investigates the theoretical foundations of limited war theory and analyzes its application in recent conflicts including the Falklands War, Iran-Iraq War, and various regional confrontations. The study examines how sanctuary concepts—including geographical sanctuaries, weapons limitations, and target restrictions—function to prevent conflict escalation. The article assesses the role of great powers in enforcing war limitations and analyzes how smaller states navigate limited war scenarios. The research also evaluates the effectiveness of limited war and sanctuary institutions in maintaining international stability and preventing nuclear escalation. Furthermore, the analysis considers the future evolution of limited war concepts in the context of changing military technologies and political alignments.

The concept of limited war represented a crucial innovation in nuclear-age military strategy, with this article providing a comprehensive examination of limited war theory and sanctuary institutions in the early 1980s. The research begins by tracing the historical development of limited war concepts, from classical strategic thought through nuclear-era theorizing to contemporary applications in regional conflicts. The analysis explores the theoretical foundations of limited war, examining how nuclear deterrence, political objectives, and cost-benefit calculations shape conflict limitation in the contemporary international system. The article investigates the institution of war sanctuary, analyzing how geographical boundaries, weapons restrictions, and target limitations function to contain conflicts and prevent escalation. The study examines case studies of recent limited wars, including the Falklands conflict between Britain and Argentina, the ongoing Iran-Iraq war, and various superpower proxy conflicts, to identify patterns of limitation and escalation. The research assesses the role of great powers in enforcing war limitations, examining how the United States and Soviet Union have developed mechanisms for crisis management and conflict containment. Based on the comprehensive assessment, the article analyzes both the achievements and limitations of limited war as an institution in contemporary international relations. The findings provide valuable insights into how states manage violence in the nuclear age and contribute to understanding the complex relationship between military force and political objectives in modern conflict.