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Re: Question about von Clauswitz
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Question about von Clauswitz

[Replies: 6]
Last Post Mar 16, 2003 10:11 AM by: haksaeng
haksaeng
Posts: 182
Registered: 9/5/00
(7 of 7)

Re: Question about von Clauswitz

Mar 16, 2003 10:11 AM
I would second Lannes in his rundown of Clausewitz. I have read Clausewitz, and I, too, would recommend the Princeton edition. It is a very thoughtful work, but it is not always easy to go through. It is better taken in small parts. I feel it is necessary to read Clausewitz, though, because of his importance in the development of worldwide militaries.

It is interesting to see what happens to Clausewitzian thought when faced with non-trinitarian warfare, like what we are seeing with terrorism. It was non-trinitarian warfare that brought the state of Israel into being, now similar tactics are being used by the Palestinians against the Israelis. I mention this because one of the most well-known military theorists around today is Martin van Creveld and he is one of the leading Clausewitzian scholars--van Creveld is Israeli. He has a couple of books out on Clausewitz and the situation in the current world.

Lannes also mentioned Peter Paret--again, a man that is a well known author of military thought. If you haven't read it, I would recommend reading "Makers of Modern Strategy." This is a collection of essays by a number of scholars--the latest edition is edited by Paret.

If you are interested in the US military, the two most important theorists to read are Jomini and A.T. Mahan. The US Army is largely organized and operates along Jominian lines, while Mahan is the most influential person in the development of the US Navy. WWII is a perfect example of Mahan at work.

If you kick a stone in anger, you will hurt your own foot -- Korean maxim
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