politics | March 05, 2026

What is Vom Kriege?

What is Vom Kriege?

Vom Kriege is a book on war and military strategy by Prussian general Carl von Clausewitz, written mostly after the Napoleonic wars, between 1816 and 1830, and published posthumously by his wife in 1832. It has been translated into English several times as On War.

Who is Carl von?

Carl Philipp Gottfried von Clausewitz (IPA: [ˈklaʊzəvɪts]) (June 1, 1780 – November 16, 1831) was a Prussian soldier, military historian and influential military theorist. He is most famous for his military treatise Vom Kriege, translated into English as On War.

When did Carl von Clausewitz write On War?

1832
Clausewitz, a Prussian general who fought against Napoleon, quite literally wrote the book on war. Published in 1832, a year after his death, On War is regarded by military experts even today as the definitive study of warfare.

Why is Clausewitz important?

Why is he so famous? Clausewitz’s fame is largely due to the importance and influence of his magnum opus, On War, unquestionably the most important single work ever written on the theory of warfare and of strategy, although both the book and its impact have been interpreted and misinterpreted in wildly varying ways.

Where is Clausewitz from?

Burg bei Magdeburg, Germany
Carl von Clausewitz/Place of birth

What is the Manoeuvrist approach?

The manoeuvrist approach to operations is a concept that concerns itself primarily with attacking the enemy’s vulnerability or centre of gravity. By attacking the enemy’s vulnerability or centre of gravity, the eventual shattering of his cohesion and will to fight will follow.

How does Clausewitz define a center of gravity?

A center of gravity is the one element within a combatant’s entire structure or system that has the necessary centripetal force to hold that structure together. This is why Clausewitz wrote that a blow directed against a center of gravity will have the greatest effect.

What is Clausewitz center of gravity?

What does Clausewitz say about intelligence?

Carl von Clausewitz disdained intelligence. His remarks about it are mostly pejorative. He classed it negatively among the major factors of military activity. He relegated it to a secondary role in all aspects of war.

What are the characteristics of maneuver warfare?

The key element of maneuver warfare is the disruption and disorganization of the enemy rather than a fixation with the kill-this-and-kill-that syndrome. The maneuver style of war is more psychological in its destruction of the enemy, whereas firepower-attrition war is more physical.

What are the three elements of the Clausewitzian trinity?

Clausewitz’s Trinity Clausewitz argues that war is a phe- nomenon consisting of three central elements or dominant tendencies. This triad, or trinity, is a paradoxical relationship “composed of primordial violence, hatred, and enmity . . .