Carl von Clausewitz’s Strategy of War

Carl von Clausewitz’s Strategy of War

Is Clausewitz still relevant in the 21st century? What is Carl von Clausewitz’s strategy of war? Carl von Clausewitz was a Prussian general who fought in the Napoleonic wars in the early 1800s, and he wrote extensively about military philosophy, strategy, and tactics. In his book On War, Clausewitz explains the principles that underpin his philosophy of war and discusses the rationale behind his military tactics and strategies. In this article, we’ll describe the chronology of a hypothetical war and examine Carl von Clausewitz’s strategy as it would apply to that situation.

Why Common Theories of War Are Ultimately Flawed

Why Common Theories of War Are Ultimately Flawed

Do any theories of war actually reflect the reality of the phenomenon? Is it possible to predict the course of a war in principle? According to Carl von Clausewitz, common theories of war fail to provide an accurate model of real war. He identifies three key shortcomings that tend to undermine their accuracy. He admits that these factors are difficult for a theory to predict and clarifies his discourse on war is not intended to provide a comprehensive model. Here are three reasons why military theories are ultimately flawed, according to Clausewitz.

Lyndon B. Johnson’s Presidency: Crisis to Purpose

Lyndon B. Johnson’s Presidency: Crisis to Purpose

What is Lyndon B. Johnson famous for? What was the greatest accomplishment of Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency? Lyndon B. Johnson, who was president from 1963 to 1969, inherited the country during a time of immense crisis. Despite the struggles the nation faced at the time, LBJ was able to achieve great things as a president; his most noteworthy accomplishment being the passing of the Civil Rights Law. Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, the author of Leadership: In Turbulent Times, attributes Lyndon’s accomplishments to his clarity of purpose. Here’s how having a sense of purpose helped Lyndon unite the nation in times

Carl von Clausewitz on the Nature of War

Carl von Clausewitz on the Nature of War

What is the relationship between war and politics? If war is supposed to achieve a political outcome, why do military interests sometimes contradict political aims? According to Prussian general and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz, war should be subservient to political policy. He argues that letting military interests shape political policy or giving the military latitude to take action outside of political policy is ridiculous because war is a tool of politics, not the other way around. Keep reading for Carl von Clausewitz’s take on the nature of war.

What Is the Purpose of War? Carl von Clausewitz’s View

What Is the Purpose of War? Carl von Clausewitz’s View

What is the purpose of war? Can political objectives be achieved without resorting to war? According to Prussian general and military theorist Carl von Clausewitz, the purpose of war is to achieve a political outcome, but war is often misused. Politicians often start wars that achieve the opposite of what they wanted to achieve.  Keep reading to learn about the main purpose of war, according to Clausewitz.

How Political Legitimacy Is Maintained (Rousseau)

How Political Legitimacy Is Maintained (Rousseau)

Once a government establishes authority, how does it keep it? How does it continue to govern? In The Social Contract, Jean-Jacques Rousseau argues that the division of power in a government eventually goes out of balance, making the state vulnerable to collapse. However, a government can maintain its legitimacy by establishing certain systems: public assemblies, public unity, and supreme powers. Keep reading for Rousseau’s view on the preservation of political legitimacy.

Difference Between Legislative & Executive Branches

Difference Between Legislative & Executive Branches

What are the two branches of government discussed in Rousseau’s The Social Contract? What are their different roles? In The Social Contract, Jean-Jacques Rousseau explains that a government is needed to run the day-to-day operations of a state. He divides government into two branches: legislative and executive. Here’s his discussion of the difference between the legislative and executive branches of government.

Rousseau’s Social Contract Theory: How It’s Unique

Rousseau’s Social Contract Theory: How It’s Unique

What’s Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s social contract theory? How is it different from the social contract theories of other philosophers? Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s theory of the social contract is similar to theories used by other enlightenment scholars such as Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan) and John Locke (Two Treatises of Government). However, there are a few major differences that determine each philosopher’s conclusion as to what makes a state legitimate. Keep reading to learn about Rousseau’s social contract theory and how it’s different.

What Are the Challenges of Democracy?

What Are the Challenges of Democracy?

What are the challenges of democracy? Why does democracy make it harder to exercise a freedom-based approach to economic development? According to Amartya Sen in Development as Freedom, one of the ways to approach poverty as a social problem is to implement democracy and capitalism. However, he does understand that the few challenges of democracy can get in the way of that. Read more to understand the challenges of democracy and why Sen is still hopeful we can overcome them to create stable economies.

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Can there be a legitimate society? If so, what would it look like? These are the questions that Jean-Jacques Rousseau attempts to answer in The Social Contract. In this classic work, the 18th-century Swiss philosopher discusses political legitimacy, or the ethical right to exercise political authority by creating and enforcing laws. Continue reading for a brief overview of The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau.