This article re-examines the meaning of bu zhan er qu ren zhi bing 不戰而屈人之兵, one of the core notions of Sunzi 孫子, and discusses its practicality. The article questions the popularly pacific and defensive view on this expression and refutes the argument that it is an idealistic concept. By analyzing the context and historical background of Sunzi, this article argues that bu zhan er qu ren zhi bing is a realistic strategy developed to adapt to the increasingly fierce competition during the period of the Chunqiu 春秋 (770–5th c. B.C.E). The term can be applied to both offensive and defensive strategies. Its meaning does not equate to but includes subjugating the enemy or frustrating his strategic goals through famou 伐謀 and fajiao 伐交 rather than engaging in decisive battles. Through studying four historical cases from the Chunqiu, this article analyses how to apply famou and fajiao to achieve bu zhan er qu ren zhi bing in practice.

中文翻译：

---

重考孙子《不战而屈人之兵不战而屈人之兵》的内涵及其实用性

本文重新审视了孙子孙子核心概念之一“不战而屈人之兵”的含义，并讨论了其实用性。文章质疑普遍对这种表达的和平和防御性观点，并驳斥了它是一个理想主义概念的论点。本文通过分析孙子的脉络和历史背景，认为“不战二去人之兵”是为适应春秋春秋（公元前770-5世纪）日益激烈的竞争而制定的现实策略。该术语可以应用于进攻和防守策略。其含义不等同于而是包括通过著名的伐谋和法教伐交来征服敌人或挫败敌人的战略目标，而不是进行决战。通过研究《春秋》中的四个历史案例，