Main Answer:
a. Military may target civilians due to perceived strategic advantages.
b. The goal is often to instill fear, disrupt social order, and coerce the enemy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In warfare, the targeting of civilians can be a strategic choice driven by various factors. Firstly, military commanders may view civilians as potential sources of support for the enemy, providing resources, intelligence, or even acting as combatants. By targeting civilians, the military aims to weaken the enemy's infrastructure and diminish its overall capacity to resist.
Secondly, the goal of such actions is not just about inflicting physical harm but extends to psychological warfare. Deliberate attacks on civilian populations aim to instill fear, disrupt social order, and create a sense of vulnerability among the enemy. This psychological impact can lead to demoralization, causing the enemy to reconsider its stance or surrender.
Moreover, the targeting of civilians is often a coercive strategy, intending to pressure the opposing force or its supporters into accepting certain terms, such as surrender or negotiation. The suffering of civilians can be used as leverage, compelling the enemy to reconsider its position and hasten the resolution of the conflict.