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Notes for Clausewitz questions class

1.

Clausewitz covered a great deal of theoretical territory, but he left a great many things out? What are some of the problems or actors which he ignored? a) b) c) d) e) Seapower: control of trade, embargoes, Alfred Mahan Influence of Seapower on history Economics: embargo, role of industrial base (as a target as well). Sociology: writing form European perspective, why matter, role of culture? Technology: historically germane or does it affect the fundamental nature of war? Nukes? Claims defense is always easier, is offense never dominant?

2.

What fundamental principles of war can be deduced from the writings of Clausewitz? Are these principles still valid today? a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) k) To compel the other to do his will. Physical force is the means of war. Cold war? Wars between civilized nations different (less cruel) than wars between savages. Motives to fight may include or be influenced by hostile feelings or intentions (rational?) This in turn will affect escalation level. War by algebra will never occur. Is this where we stood w/ Soviets an nuclear weapons? Strength = means + will. Means are finite, will comes from motives. Total non-resistance would be no war at all (Ghandi critique) War is never an isolated act. Meaning? War does not consist of single shot blows. Nuke strategy? Results of war are never final (Hussein). Political effort (motive for war) will determine both the military objective and the amount of effort it requires.

l) m) n) o) 3.

In some cases the political objective will no provide a suitable military objective (Vietnam?)!!! War is a gamble, resembling a game of cards. War is an act of policy. Implications: policy makers dictate course of war. War violence is not the kind that explodes in a single s discharge. Nukes? False beliefs about WWI

What is the nature of war according to Clausewitz? How do the political objectives of war affect its nature? a) b) c) Motives (powerful or not) affect war. The greater the tension the greater the likelihood of escalating to total war. War tends to the extremes. If policy is directed only towards minor objectives the emotion of the masses will be little stirred and will have to be stirred by pols. Passions in war must also be present in the people Probability and chance depend on the commander Political aims are the business of the government alone The use of force depends on the scale of the political demands. Situations and conditions (social) of the belligerents may be different The defeat of the enemy, the conquest of the enemy is not always necessary.

d) e) f) g) h) i) 4.

What differences does Clausewitz see between limited and general war? What are the major problems statesmen confront in a limited war? a) b) c) d) level of escalation of the two sides must match If one side is fighting a limited war and the other a total war, the side fighting the limited war will be at the disadvantage Iron will can overcome friction, but in the course f a war it wears down the machine as well. Wars can only be fought physically?

e) 5.

War in itself does not suspend political discourse

What does Clausewitz believe to be the proper roles of civilian and military leaders in formulating and executing national strategy? a) leaders must be sure of their political position so that success in the war will not bring further enemies against them forcing them to abandon efforts against the 1st. (Vietnam, Churchill in WWII) a certain grasp of military affairs is vital for those in charge of general policy. it is highly dangerous to let any soldier but the commander in chief exert any influence on the cabinet.

b) c) 6. 7.

Is Clausewitz view germane to the contemporary s political/military environment? The most frequently cited quotation form Clausewitz is his assertion that war is the execution of politics by other means. What does Clausewitz mean by this? a) Since he talking about coercion, force is simply at one end of s the extreme of a line of options ranging from persuasion, to sanctions, etc.

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