Difference between Reaction, Response and Retaliation

(Excerpts from a ToI Blog titled ‘A Surgical Act!’)

When India conducted surgical strikes on Pakistan, we responded, reacted and retaliated in perfect measure.

Right after the Uri attack, the sharp statements and international stance our government took was our immediate reaction. Then came a studied response in the shape of diplomatic measures. What followed was retaliation – in the shape of a well-thought out, precise punishment.

What then is the difference between response, reaction and retaliation? I would say timing makes all the difference! Reaction is immediate and could be knee-jerk and cause more harm than good. As such, it is to be guarded against. Response is more thought-through and considered. You have most probably taken time and considered all angles before responding. And then comes the time to retaliate. Retaliation can be extremely effective if it is intelligently thought through and – well, surgical!

P.S.: Link to the ToI Blog: http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/O-zone/a-surgical-act/

Check out the infographics for a little more on this topic!