The greatest friction is designed to wear fast (5,2,3)

I believe the answer is:

state of war

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'the greatest friction' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'designed to wear fast' is the wordplay.
'designed' indicates anagramming the letters (designed with the letters).
'to'+'wear'+'fast'='towearfast'
'towearfast' anagrammed gives 'STATE OF WAR'.

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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