“Wars are meant to resolve an issue vital enough to kill and die over, so it were infinitely better if they were resolved absolutely and finally the first time around.”
That’s assuming the belligerents are not attempting to fight a cheap, limited war. In Britain’s case, its ability to wage war has diminished considerably since 1945, or 1982 for that matter. Weakness only invites attack.....
“He that desires peace must prepare for war” is a double entendre. Being prepared for war is the only way to assure peace, and if you wish peace through abandoning the ability to make war, in the end you will need to fight a war.