The Remarkable Trinity: Another Dimension
Abstract
Carl von Clausewitz's concept of The Remarkable Trinity asserts that support from the three elements of the people, the government, and the military (army) must be in balance for any nation to successfully prosecute war. The classic depiction of this concept is in the form of a two dimensional model - a triangle, with one of these three elements at each of its points. This depiction, however, does not provide a way to visualize either the balance Clausewitz calls for, or the power of the support being exerted within the model by each of the three elements. A more detailed model can provide a way to measure balance and total power. By constructing a three dimensional model and adding two new constructs of a 'mission ball' and a 'sphere of success' to Clausewitz's original idea, his concept can be more easily and completely visualized and, therefore, become more relevant. The theoretical application of the new trinity model to wars, from a historical perspective, helps provide a decision support mechanism relative to the conduct of future conflicts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA264026
Entities
People
- Theodore G. Chopin
Organizations
- United States Army War College