Strategic objective (military)

"Advantage is gained in war and also in foreign policy and other things by selecting from many attractive or unpleasant alternatives the dominating point. American military thought has coined the expression 'Overall Strategic Objective.' When [British] officers first heard this they laughed; but later on its wisdom became apparent and accepted. Evidently this should be the rule, and other great business be set up in subordinate relationship to it. Failure to adhere to this simple principle produces confusion and futility of action, and nearly always makes things much worse later on." Churchill, The Gathering Storm, Ch. XIII (first volume of six-volume history The Second World War, 1948).

...
Wikipedia