Historical pattern · 1986

Carl von Clausewitz · On War · 1832

Critique

  • Clausewitz overemphasized decisive battle and underemphasized strategic maneuver.
  • Clausewitz emphasized method and routine at the tactical level.
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Why?

  • Clausewitz was concerned with trying to overcome, or reduce, friction/uncertainty. He failed to address the idea of magnifying adversary’s friction/uncertainty.
  • Clausewitz was concerned with trying to exhaust adversary by influencing him to increase his expenditure of effort. He failed to address, or develop, the idea of trying to paralyze adversary by denying him the opportunity to expend effort.
  • Clausewitz incorrectly stated: “A center of gravity is always found where the mass is concentrated most densely”—then argued that this is the place where the blows must be aimed and where the decision should be reached. He failed to develop idea of generating many non-cooperative centers of gravity by striking at those vulnerable, yet critical, tendons, connections, and activities that permit a larger system to exist.
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? · Raises question · ?

What does all this mean?

The scan’s handwritten correction “larger system” is adopted above in place of “larger center of gravity.”

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