On War

Outline

On War (1832) is one of the most influential works ever written on military strategy. Carl von Clausewitz analyses the nature of war, famously describing it as the continuation of politics by other means, and explores ideas such as the fog of war, friction, and the relationship between government, army, and people. Published after his death, the book is still studied by military leaders, strategists, and business thinkers today.

• Clausewitz describes war as the continuation of politics by other means, so military action always serves a political purpose.
• The fog of war means decisions must be made with incomplete and unreliable information.
• Friction is the gap between plans and reality, where small difficulties pile up and slow everything down.
• War involves three parts that pull on each other: the government, the army, and the people.
• Leadership, emotion, and strategy all shape outcomes when decisions are made under extreme pressure.

Carl von Clausewitz (1780–1831) was a Prussian general and military theorist who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. He later directed the Prussian war college in Berlin, where he worked on his theories of war. His unfinished masterpiece, On War, was published by his wife after his death and became a foundation of modern strategic thought.