Clausewitz: War as Politics by Other Means - Notes

Source Information

• Author: Carl von Clausewitz
• Translated by: Col. J.J. Graham
• Edited by: Col. F.N. Maude
• Published: 1918
• Chapter: Chapter I: What Is War?

Key Concepts

War as a Continuation of Policy

• War is not just a political act but a political instrument.
• War acts as a continuation of political discourse by other means.
• The political view is the object, and war is the means.

Nature and Definition of War

• War equated to a duel on an extensive scale.
• Described as an act of violence to compel the opponent to fulfill one’s will.
• Involves both physical force and the influence of art and science.

Violence and Force

• Violence is the means; submission of the enemy is the object.
• Disarmament of the enemy is crucial for victory.
• Use of utmost force ensures superiority in war.

Use of Force

• It’s erroneous to believe in disarming an enemy without bloodshed.
• Physical power is essential in war, enhanced by intelligence.
• Wars of civilized nations differ from those of savages due to social conditions.

Political and Military Objectives

• Political objectives drive the military action and efforts.
• Political ends will influence military actions but not dictate them entirely.
• War should be viewed as a serious means for a serious objective.

Reciprocal Actions and Extremes

• Three cases of reciprocal action in war lead to extremes.
  1. Exertion of utmost force.
  2. Aim is to disarm the enemy.
  3. Utmost exertion of powers.

Realities of War

• War is not isolated; it connects with history and state relations.
• Not a single instantaneous blow but a series of actions.
• Outcome based on probabilities and the real-world context.

Suspension of Action

• Suspension of war action is possible due to defense strength, imperfect knowledge, and anticipation of a better opportunity.
• War progresses through continuous actions leading to a climax but is not linear.

Human Element in War

• War is influenced by courage, chance, and probabilities, making it akin to a game.
• It involves moral forces and requires courage and self-reliance.

Political Object in War

• The political object reappears as the ultimate goal post-action.
• The scale of the political object influences the scale of military action.

Theory of War

• War involves three tendencies: violence, probabilities and chance, and political instrumentality.
• Theory must balance these three aspects.

Conclusion

• War is a continuation of politics by other means.
• The nature and character of war vary according to its political motives and circumstances.
• Effective strategy requires understanding war’s political nature and adapting to it.