What is a Clausewitzian definition of war Essay

What is a Clausewitzian definition of war - Essay Example To some, it is an act of glory while for others the same activity appears as a gory to them. Carl Philipp von Clausewitz was a soldier from Prussia. He is acknowledged as a great military historian and military theorist. He is mostly famous for his military treatise known by the name of Vom Kriege translated into English as ‘On War’. His theories documented in this book make him the author of one of the most celebrated contemporary theories upon war. Although Clausewitz participated in many wars, yet he always retained his interest in examining military theories and war tactics. Clausewitzian definition of war encapsulated in his famous ‘On War’ is a systematic, careful and philosophical examination of war in all its perspectives of both the way he saw it and he was being taught. On War is considered as the west’s premier document throwing light on the philosophy of the war. His contentions regarding war and the art of ware fare was so detailed and carefully sorted out that he could only finish a part of the treaty at the time of his death. Clausewitz revised the document in the year 1827 and just before his death he added some more thoughts into the portion dealing with counter - insurgency and different forms of war apart from the War Between the States. Clausewitz and Tolstoy both were much influenced by the events of the Napoleonic era. Clausewitz rendered a long intricate definition of war based on his first hand observation and experience that he gathered during the French revolution and Napoleonic era .The definition of war given by Clausewitz does not only throws light on the considerable historical research into the war,. It also reshaped the Clausewitz’s strong interest in art, science and education. Clausewitz defined war as â€Å"nothing but a duel in an extensive scale. If we would conceive as a unit the countless number of duels which make up a war, we shall do so best by supposing to ourselves two wrestlers. Each strives by