Clausewitz's Continued Relevance and Foundation for Educating Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

Defining exactly what warfare will be like in the 21st Century is difficult at best. However, despite major changes in the conduct and instruments of war and the corresponding increased uncertainty of who will be the opposing actors, the primary nature of warfare remains unchanged. Likewise, many of the classical theories of war will not change, particularly those theories on war offered by Carl von Clausewitz. This paper examines the dynamic operational and strategic environment, assesses the arguments on the continued relevance of Carl von Clausewitz's theories of war, and proposes that the study of his theories provides a framework for thinking about future war and also an overall foundation for officer education in 21st Century Warfare.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 22, 2012
Accession Number
ADA560832

Entities

People

  • Brett W. Andersen

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

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  • Asymmetric Warfare
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  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

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  • Military History / Militaries and War Studies
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