Clausewitz and 21st Century Warfare

Abstract

The theories of Carl von Clausewitz remain relevant in the war against terrorism because globalization has blurred the Westphalian definition of a nation-state. If the United States were to examine its trinity from an adversary's point of view, it would see vulnerabilities within each leg of the trinity. In addition, the United States would see that its center of gravity rests within the will of the people. The United States needs to take action to strengthen its trinity and protect its center of gravity. Actions taken in one area will affect all areas of the trinity. Therefore, the United States needs to change its strategic message from one of advancing democracies to one that supports governments which provide for freedom, justice, human dignity, and open capitalistic markets. The United States needs to properly organize, train, and equip its military for the current environment while educating the American public and the world on its new message through a well-organized information operations campaign.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 24, 2008
Accession Number
ADA479659

Entities

People

  • Christopher J. Papaj

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan Conflict
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Department Of Defense
  • Education
  • Globalization
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • International Relations
  • National Security
  • New York
  • Second World War
  • Security
  • Terrorists
  • United States
  • United States Government
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies