Oceania was in a perpetual, but often fictionalized, war with two other superstates, Eurasia and Eastasia, which it would frequently switch its alliance with. This constant conflict served as a tool for totalitarian control, consuming resources, maintaining a state of perpetual fear and patriotism, and allowing the government to alter history as needed.

A shifting, internal conflict: The war's specific enemy—Eurasia or Eastasia—would change, but the war itself was a constant. The government would announce that Oceania was now at war with the opposing state, while simultaneously rewriting history to reflect its new alliance.

Purpose of the war: The war was less about conquest and more about maintaining control over the population.

It was used to consume surplus resources that would otherwise challenge the totalitarian system, a concept discussed by David Harvey.

It created a climate of fear and blind patriotism, justifying the Party's actions and suppressing any dissent.

The war is not real: Some theories, including the belief held by some characters like Julia, suggest the war is a complete fabrication, or that any real conflict is limited and contained to vaguely defined disputed areas, say science fiction enthusiasts on Stack Exchange.

This is supported by the fact that the war never truly threatens the superstates' core territories, says a Quora user.

The regime is more focused on internal control through the Thought Police than on external military supremacy, note Reddit users >>23911321