Final answer:
Flanking is a military strategy involving an attack on the sides of an opposing force. It is similar to a race driver cutting the corner to gain an advantage. These strategies emphasize the significance of positioning and the element of surprise.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maneuvering around the side of an army, rather than attacking directly from the front, is a classic military strategy known as flanking. In a flanking maneuver, a unit attacks the sides, or flanks, of an opposing force, which can be less defended than the front. Flanking is advantageous because it can surprise the enemy, potentially causing confusion and disarray within their ranks. This approach hampers the enemy's ability to effectively respond to the assault, as their defensive formations are oriented towards anticipated frontal attacks.
Like the military flanking maneuver, drivers in a race may also employ a strategic move by taking the inside path around a curve, commonly referred to as cutting the corner. This allows the driver to cover a shorter distance and thus potentially take the curve at a higher speed, gaining an advantage over competitors who take a wider path.
These tactics exemplify the importance of strategic positioning—whether in battle or on the racetrack—as a way to outmaneuver opponents and secure an upper hand. In both scenarios, the element of surprise and the efficient use of the terrain play crucial roles in the outcome of the maneuver.