What shock might change assumptions about future war?

What could move Western governments from assuming wars of choice toward preparing during peace?

The November 2025 reply suggests a Ukrainian defeat as one possible shock, without predicting that outcome.

The question concerns wars undertaken by choice and preparation for conflicts that cannot be scheduled. A Ukrainian defeat is suggested as one possible shock to prevailing assumptions in November 2025. Another participant describes the need for a serious reversal before attitudes change. Neither the defeat nor the political response is treated as inevitable.