An Analysis of Carl von Clausewitz's On War

by Simon Taylor

On War by Carl von Clausewitz stands as a major theorisation on the nature of war. Developed over a lifetime of lived experiences and research, Clausewitz argues that war is not a random, chaotic event, but has discernible elements shaped by logic and reason, human passions, and random chance. For Clausewitz, war is not simply blind, senseless violence but a political act, whose rules and vagaries can be understood; famously summarised as “War is politics by other means.” Written nearly 200 years ago, On War still holds many lessons for those who wish to understand the political nature of war and its changing characteristics, despite its many misinterpretations and misuses.

100 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2018