The Culminating Point of Victory: An Illusion or Useful Concept for Today's Military Leader?
Abstract
The essay explores the theory and potential applications of the Culminating Point of Victory (CPV) in a simplified quantitative and qualitative model. Initially, there is a summary of Clausewitz' theory, an analysis of the logic of the theory followed by a systematic assessment of his theoretical concept using graphics to explain the concept within a mathematical construct, and relating the CPV concept to the rest of his theoretical paradigm. Then the mathematical construct is expanded using a simplified economic analysis equation. This leads to the conclusion that the concept is valid today; that the concept offers the opportunity to focus intellectual and intuitive effort in a useful way; that although the concept does not have predictive utility it is of great heuristic value in military planning, analysis, and in the professional education of military leaders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 19, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA180763
Entities
People
- Tully J. Anderson
Organizations
- United States Army War College