What does the phrase "warfare as a continuum" refer to?

The phrase "warfare as a continuum" captures the concept that warfare encompasses a range of activities and levels of conflict, rather than being limited to just outright war or military engagement. It recognizes that the spectrum of warfare includes not only full-scale combat but also activities that occur in times of peace, low-intensity conflict, and everything in between. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding the various phases and forms of conflict, including diplomatic tensions, irregular warfare, and humanitarian efforts, which all play a role in the broader context of national security and military operations. By viewing warfare in this way, military leaders and strategists can better prepare for and respond to the complexities of global security challenges, recognizing that conflict can exist at various levels and can transition between states of peace and war.