limited wars are rarely successful. from the time of the roman republic to modern times, limited warfare has usually not had the desired results. it also runs contrary to what military leaders are taught, which is to win at all costs. those who make policy often choose the middle ground of limited war when faced with decisions between total war or do nothing at all. the only problem with doing nothing is the example of adolf hitler. while the world powers did nothing, he continued to invade weaker countries until finally a world war was all that could stop him.