Ruse de guerre

Common card · No. 239066

The French ruse de guerre, sometimes literally translated as ruse of war, is a non-uniform term; generally what is understood by "ruse of war" can be separated into two groups. The first classifies the phrase purely as an act of military deception against one's opponent; the second emphasizes acts against one's opponent by creative, clever, unorthodox means, sometimes involving force multipliers or superior knowledge. The term stratagem, from Ancient Greek strategema (στρατήγημα, 'act of generalship'), is also used in this sense. Ruses de guerre are described from ancient to modern times, both in semi-mythical accounts and in well-documented events; they also feature in fiction. The term ruse de guerre is given legal meaning within the law of war (or, rules of war). Good faith is required, but at least 17 different types of ruse, including ambushes, false radio messages, the use of spies and the use of dummy guns, are considered legitimate as long as they do not involve treachery or perfidy...

Read on Wikipedia · Image after the Vergilius Vaticanus, Public domain