In "Use of Weapons" by Iain M. Banks, the concept of the relationship between tactics and strategy is explored through a complex interplay. Tactics are individual actions or maneuvers that serve a specific purpose, while strategy refers to the overarching plan that guides these actions. The quote highlights how tactics can be seen as a part of strategy, and conversely, strategy can break down into specific tactical actions, illustrating the fluidity and interaction between the two.
This duality points to a deeper moral dimension, suggesting that both tactics and strategy are subject to a moral framework that shifts according to context and outcome. It emphasizes that decisions in warfare or conflict are rarely clear-cut; they are influenced by the various ethical implications of both tactical and strategic choices, making the moral landscape complex and dynamic.