Final answer:
The primary distinction between strategy and tactics is scale and focus; strategy is about overall, long-term objectives and plans, while tactics deal with the execution of these strategies through specific, immediate actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between strategy and tactics rests in their scope and application. Strategy is an overarching plan designed to achieve long-term objectives. It encompasses what you want to achieve and the broad approach of how to get there, considering imperfect information and the possible actions of others. Tactics, on the other hand, are the specific actions and details involved in executing the strategy. They are about the steps you need to take and when to take them to support the overarching plan. For instance, in politics, a strategy might involve mobilizing supporters to win an election, while tactics could include sending text messages or organizing rallies. Ultimately, strategy is about the 'big picture' and long-term planning, whereas tactics are focused on immediate actions that are part of executing the plan.
A useful analogy is theatre, where the story represents the entire narrative (akin to strategy), and the plot reflects the specific events selected for emphasis (similar to tactics). Similarly, in military discourse, as encapsulated by quotes like 'All men can see the tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved,' highlights the visible nature of tactics and the hidden, deeper dimension of strategy.