Authors and thinkers
Author

Carl von Clausewitz

6 key ideas, each explained in our own words.

On War

  1. IDEA 1

    War is politics by other means

    Military force serves political goals. Strategy that loses sight of the purpose behind it wins battles and loses the point.

  2. IDEA 2

    Friction

    In practice even simple plans meet countless small obstacles: delays, confusion, fatigue. Expect friction and build slack into every plan.

  3. IDEA 3

    The fog of war

    Information in conflict is incomplete and often wrong. Leaders must decide under uncertainty and adjust as facts emerge.

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