Lesson 1 Flashcards
Causes of war (22 cards)
Clausewitz and view on war
:
“War is the continuation of politics by other means“
Rational and political
Keegan and view on war
War is the continuation of political intercourse, with the intermixing of other means
Differences with the view of war of Keegan and Clausewitz
Clausewitz thinks war is like chess (a strategic game), but Keegan thinks war is more like a bar fight—emotional, unpredictable, and not always logical
Who was Clauzewits?
A Prussian General and military theorist 1780-1831)
What are the three elements of Clausewitz’s Trinity?
- Passion & Violence (People),
- Chance & Probability (Army),
- Reason & Politics (Government).
What does ‘Passion & Violence’ represent in war?
The emotions, hatred, and instincts of the people fueling conflict.
What does ‘Chance & Probability’ represent in war?
The uncertainty, risks, and opportunities faced by generals and armies.
What does ‘Reason & Politics’ represent in war?
The government’s strategic objectives and political control over war.
Why is Clausewitz’s Trinity important?
It explains war as a balance between emotion, uncertainty, and rational strategy.
How does Clausewitz describe war’s
Like a chameleon, it changes based on motives, politics, and intensity.
How does political effect impact war
Stronger motives lead to more intense war; weaker motives make it more political.
Clausewitz true / absolute war
Total obedience,
determined courage, self-sacrifice.
Clausewitz real war
War as it happens in reality—chaotic, shaped by emotions, mistakes, and personal interests, not just strategy.
Keegans critics of Clausewitz
Clausewitz assumes war is political, but Keegan argues war existed before states and is rooted in culture.
Keegan’s descirption of war
War is not just a political tool but also an expression of human culture, identity, and emotions.
Whu does Keegan see Clausewits theory of waras incomplete?
Clausewitz focuses on state-driven wars, ignoring irregular warfare, tribal conflicts, and cultural aspects?
How does Keegan view the role of politics in war
Politics gives a false sense of control; war is often irrational and shaped by traditions, emotions, and chaos.
What does Keegan say about war’s beginning and end?
Clausewitz assumes wars have clear starts and ends, but Keegan argues some wars are endless and unstructured.
How does Keegan critique Clausewitz’s focus on rationality?
Keegan argues that many wars are not rational but driven by revenge, tradition, or ideology.
Before Clausewitz
Was Montecuccoli (1609-1680), Officer of the Habsburg
Empire, fought in the Thirty Years’ War.
Protoscience.
Montecuccoli saw war as something that could be studied logically and systematically, similar to how scientists study natural phenomena.
Montecoculli vs Clausewitz on theories
is contrasts with Clausewitz, who argued that war is not a predictable science but rather influenced by emotion, chance, and politics.
