On the Nature of War

CARL VON CLAUSEWITZ

Karl Von Clausewitz

Born July 1, 1780 in Germany He was a Prussian solider and intellect He first entered combat when he was 13 as a cadet,

and rose to major-general at age 38 His book On War was written in 1832 It has been translated into almost every major language and is still an influential part of theory today.

On the Nature of War

Definition: Clausewitz defines war as nothing more than a duel

on an extensive scale

Each strives by physical force to compel the other to submit to his will.

War therefore is an act of violence intended to compel an opponent to fulfill our will.

States there is no moral force without the conception of states and laws. - physical force is the means to their object

#3 utmost use of Force

Clausewitz states: in such a dangerous thing as war, the

errors which proceed from the spirit of benevolence are the worst. The only limitations are those imposed by the amount of counteracting force on each side. It is against ones own interest to turn away from the consideration of the real nature of the affair because the horror of its elements excites repugnance. He suggests that the further development of weapon technology shows that the desire to destroy the adversary lies at the bottom conception of War.

(resemble Hobbs who says war is a part of mans nature)

#5 the aim is to disarm the enemy

As long as the enemy is not defeated, he may defeat

me; then I shall no longer be my own master; he will dictate the law to me as I did to him.

Malian dialogue- you have no right to peace unless you have the power to obtain it. Might makes Right.

Neutrality is not an option- if youre not for me, youre a threat

#5 Utmost Exertion of Powers

You must proportion your efforts to their power of

resistance

Two things can not be separated

Sums of available means The strength of the Will

7. War is never an isolated act

It does not spring up instantaneously nor does it

reach full scale in a moment, this gives time for either side to judge the will and means of the other side.

9 The result in war is never absolute

Many states view defeat as a passing evil and not as a

permanent state.

24. War is a mere continuation of policy by other means

The political view is the object, war is the means War is a continuation of policy War is to be regarded not as an independent thing, but as a political instrument Wars must differ in character according to the nature of the motives and circumstances from which the proceed