The absence of ritual is the inevitability of sacrifice. On the other hand, ritual is action based on faith in G-d. Ritual reduces variables of the unknown by inculcating G-d as a constant within the delineation of conflict. Ultimately, ritual is a process by which anarchy is staved off and determinism is overcome. And, if we don't know our rituals, we don't know what to do.
War is a construct that has both sacrificial and ritualistic elements.
In the Mahabharata, war serves to resolve the issue of legitimate authority. Duryhodhana's desire to attain the kingship falls into direct conflict with Yudhisthira's natural right to authoritative rule. Thus, war is the necessary means by which proper authority is restored. The war itself is purely chaotic. Those involved try to ritualize it in order to give it cohesion and structure.