On War

Reviews (See all 33) Write a reviewfor this

• 
  

  Quite possibly one of the most brilliant military and political thinkers of his, or any, time. Clausewitz understood and described the relationship between war and politics, and understood that war does not exist in a vacuum. On War is not an easy book to read, but if one puts in the time (particularly in the first few sections), you will know you are in the presence of a brilliant mind. The Howard and Paret edition of On War is now the recognized text from which to work.

  What is also f... (show more)

  Quite possibly one of the most brilliant military and political thinkers of his, or any, time. Clausewitz understood and described the relationship between war and politics, and understood that war does not exist in a vacuum. On War is not an easy book to read, but if one puts in the time (particularly in the first few sections), you will know you are in the presence of a brilliant mind. The Howard and Paret edition of On War is now the recognized text from which to work.

  What is also fascinating about this work is its transferability to any endeavor that is subject to conflict and extraneous forces. Clausewitz' discussion about frictions and focusing on an opponent's center of gravity is as applicable to war as it is to business or litigation. Contrary to what many have said about Clausewitz, he did not encourage the utter and total commitment to unlimited war. Rather, he counseled for the economical application of resources when needed.

  I can't say enough about this book as a military and political primer. (show less)

   

   

  by Kevin Corbin on Feb 16, 2009 at 05:20AM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• 

  Cet ouvrage est exceptionnel car ils fait de la guerre, au-delà de sa nature propre, un objet politique accessible au raisonnement.
  L'analyse en trois niveaux du tactique, du stratégique et du politique, l'étude du concept pur ("l'ascension aux extrêmes) et sa présence permanente telle qu'elle s'incarne dans les conflits de tout type, ce qui en découle en termes de conduite des opérations et des objectifs qu'impose et qu'on impose à la guerre (le but dans la guerre et le but de la guerr... (show more)

  Cet ouvrage est exceptionnel car ils fait de la guerre, au-delà de sa nature propre, un objet politique accessible au raisonnement.
  L'analyse en trois niveaux du tactique, du stratégique et du politique, l'étude du concept pur ("l'ascension aux extrêmes) et sa présence permanente telle qu'elle s'incarne dans les conflits de tout type, ce qui en découle en termes de conduite des opérations et des objectifs qu'impose et qu'on impose à la guerre (le but dans la guerre et le but de la guerre) font de ces ouvrages des pierres angulaires indispensables à qui veut comprendre le comment et le pourquoi des combats que l'homme mène contre l'homme. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Aug 15, 2009 at 05:00PM

  Already read

  Is this review helpful? yes no
   
• See all reviews
  Write a review