Why is understanding 'strategic depth' important for a nation's security planning?

Understanding 'strategic depth' is vital for a nation's security planning because it provides a buffer zone and crucial time for defense in case of attack. Strategic depth refers to the distance between a country's borders and its key population centers, industrial areas, and strategic assets. A greater strategic depth allows a nation to absorb an initial attack, delaying the enemy's advance and providing time to mobilize its forces, deploy defenses, and mount a counteroffensive. It provides a cushion that reduces vulnerability to a sudden or overwhelming attack. The importance of strategic depth can be seen in several ways. First, it complicates enemy invasion plans. A country with significant strategic depth forces an attacker to extend its supply lines, increasing its vulnerability to counterattacks and logistical challe....