Guide to Clausewitz Strategy: Essential Reading for War Theory

Guide to Clausewitz Strategy: Essential Reading for War Theory

Recommended Resources for Understanding Carl von Clausewitz's "On War"

For military professionals seeking a deeper understanding of Carl von Clausewitz's seminal work, "On War," here are some recommended resources:

Books

1. "On War" by Carl von Clausewitz: This foundational text should be read in its entirety. Different translations and editions can offer varying insights, so it's beneficial to explore multiple versions.
2. "The Book of War" edited by Backer: This collection of essays provides a comprehensive overview of Clausewitz's ideas and their application across different contexts.
3. "Clausewitz: A Very Short Introduction" by Michael Howard: Ideal for those new to Clausewitz, this book provides a concise introduction to his life, work, and influence.
4. "Clausewitz and Contemporary War" edited by Antulio J. Echevarria II: This book explores how Clausewitz's ideas apply to modern warfare.
5. The Strategy Bridge: Theory for Practice by Colin S. Gray is a volume of collected works that helps readers understand the relevance of Clausewitz's ideas in contemporary strategy and practice.
6. "Marie Von Clausewitz: The Woman Behind the Making of On War," by Vanya Bellinger, focuses on the life of Clausewitz's wife.
7. "Clausewitz's On War: A Biography," by Sir Hew Strachan, offers a biography of Clausewitz.
8. The Dead Prussian Podcast - On Carl von Clausewitz with Donald Stoker provides a great summary and history of Clausewitz.
9. "Clausewitz and the State," by Peter Paret, provides more information about the state in relation to Clausewitz.
10. Masters of War: Classical Strategic Thought by Michael I. Handel provides an analysis of "On War" alongside that of Sun Tzu, Machiavelli, and other strategists, helping leaders place Clausewitz's ideas in context with the other leading theorists of war.

Academic Journals and Papers

1. "Long Wars" by the Kellogg School of Management: This study references Clausewitz and discusses the dynamics of war and negotiations, offering insights into theoretical applications of his work.
2. "The Clausewitz Homepage": A rich resource for articles, essays, and discussions on Clausewitz's theories and their relevance in contemporary military strategy.

Courses and Lectures

1. War Studies Courses at Military Academies: Many military academies offer courses that delve into the strategic and philosophical aspects of war, often incorporating Clausewitz's theories.
2. Online Forums and Discussions: Engaging with communities of military professionals and scholars through online forums can provide nuanced perspectives on applying Clausewitz's ideas in modern contexts.

Key Concepts and Theories

• Friction: Clausewitz's concept of friction in war highlights the unpredictable nature of conflict, which impedes the execution of plans.
• Center of Gravity: A key concept in Clausewitz's work, it refers to the point at which an enemy's strength is concentrated and should be targeted to achieve victory.
• The Trinity: Clausewitz discusses the trinity of war consisting of the people, the army, and the government, highlighting the interplay between these elements in conflict.

By exploring these resources, military professionals can develop a more comprehensive understanding of Clausewitz's theories and their enduring relevance in modern warfare. It's essential to note that "On War" is dense and devoid of context, making it challenging for field grades to absorb its ideas. Therefore, supplemental material, the best translations, and awareness of which sections of "On War" are most relevant today are crucial.

Before diving into "On War," it's recommended to listen to the podcast "Midrats - Clausewitz Now More Than Ever with Donald Stoker," which discusses Clausewitz the soldier. Additionally, the BBC Radio episode "In Our Time - Clausewitz on War with Sir Michael Howard" provides a history of Clausewitz, as it relates to "On War." It's also important to understand that The Strategy Bridge: Theory for Practice is critical to understanding how senior military leaders must transition from practitioners of tactical art to a bridge between policy and those tactics.

In conclusion, "On War" is a treatise by Clausewitz that introduces several theories and themes relevant to modern-day outlooks on war, leadership, and strategy. By studying this work and the recommended resources, military professionals can gain a deeper understanding of Clausewitz's ideas and their application in contemporary warfare.

1. Military professionals can benefit from online education platforms, such as courses or lectures, that delve into Clausewitz's theories, like the War Studies Courses at military academies or online forums and discussions that provide nuanced perspectives on applying his ideas in modern contexts.
2. Pursuing education-and-self-development opportunities, both in traditional books like "Clausewitz: A Very Short Introduction" by Michael Howard and online resources like "The Clausewitz Homepage," can help military leaders build their understanding of Clausewitz's strategies and their enduring relevance in modern warfare.
3. For a better grasp of Clausewitz's leadership and strategic thinking during his military career, military professionals might find value in online education offerings, such as the "Midrats - Clausewitz Now More Than Ever with Donald Stoker" podcast or the BBC Radio episode "In Our Time - Clausewitz on War with Sir Michael Howard."

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