This it cannot be in itself, but it is so in relation to both the belligerent States, because we are concerned with realities, not with mere abstractions.

One and the same political object may produce totally different effects upon different people, or even upon the same people at different times; we can, therefore, only admit the political object as the measure, by considering it in its effects upon those masses which it is to move, and consequently the nature of those masses also comes into consideration.
It is easy to see that thus the result may be very different according as these masses are animated with a spirit which will infuse vigour into the action or otherwise.

It is quite possible for such a state of feeling to exist between two States that a very trifling political motive for War may produce an effect quite disproportionate--in fact, a perfect explosion.
This applies to the efforts which the political object will call forth in the two States, and to the aim which the military action shall prescribe for itself.

At times it may itself be that aim, as, for example, the conquest of a province.

At other times the political object itself is not suitable for the aim of military action; then such a one must be chosen as will be an equivalent for it, and stand in its place as regards the conclusion of peace.