The Social Science of Carl von Clausewitz
Abstract
Carl von Clausewitz's great, unfinished book "On War" is well-known as being prone to misinterpretation and distortion. At the risk of adding to the veritable cottage industry of distortion, this article attempts to add conceptual clarity by demonstrating that Clausewitz was formulating a social science approach before that terminology and discipline had emerged. Linking Clausewitzian analysis to contemporary social science is appropriate because both aim for greater precision in fields that appear to defy a "scientific" approach. Before proceeding with that task, however, it is appropriate to review some of the common misunderstandings concerning Clausewitz, explaining some of the reasons for them. The discussion then will show that by casting Clausewitz's framework as a social science, one can resolve many apparent contradictions in his ideas.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA486428
Entities
People
- Janeen Klinger
Organizations
- Marine Corps University