Clausewitz for Modern Readers: A Revision
Abstract
Book Two, 'On the Theory of War" from On War presents Carl von Clausewitz's approach to building a theory of war, and so provides a foundation for the rest of On War. In Book Two, Clausewitz argues that theory should focus on combat, excluding the raising and maintaining of forces, because it is combat alone which decides issues of war. He also argues that the role of theory is not to provide doctrine for easy application in battle, but to be a framework for soldiers to develop their own knowledge and understanding of war. He puts special emphasis on close, critical analysis of military history as a way of determining the proper relationship of means and ends in war. His assertion that war is but a tool of politics is perhaps the best known expression of his concern with means and ends, a concern found throughout On War. This paper revises Book Two, using contemporary language and examples from recent military history, to help modern readers apply Clausewitz's concepts to their own studies of history and experiences of war.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA249530
Entities
People
- David J. Harrop
Organizations
- United States Army War College