Scorched-Earth Policy

Definition

Scorched-Earth Policy is a military strategy aimed at destroying anything that might be useful to an enemy while advancing or withdrawing from an area.

Analogy

It's like playing a game of chess and, to prevent your opponent from advancing, you remove all the pieces they could potentially use. In real terms, it means destroying infrastructure, food supplies - anything that could aid the enemy.

Related terms

Guerrilla Warfare: A form of irregular warfare where small groups use military tactics like ambushes and sabotage to fight larger and less-mobile traditional military forces.

Siege Warfare: A method of warfare where an attacking force seeks to fully surround their enemy in an attempt to cut off essential supplies with the aim of forcing surrender.

Attrition Warfare: A military strategy in which one side attempts to win by wearing down its enemy to the point of collapse through continuous losses in personnel and resources.