Clausewitz Reconsidered

Carl von Clausewitz's "On War" is arguably the most important single work ever written on the theory of warfare and military strategy. In "Clausewitz Reconsidered," two prominent military historians assess his theories, examining their viability at a time when asymmetric warfare and "war" conducted by and against nonstate actors is increasingly common and state control often ephemeral.

The basis of the book's analysis is an examination of war over the last four centuries, since the Thirty Years' War, including the Cold War and subsequent conflicts. What is discovered is that war is far more endemic and brutal today than when Clausewitz tried to explain it. This volume explores that paradox and shows that if anything, we can anticipate further uncontrolled violence. The authors conclude that Clausewitz and "On War" have assumed a status akin to holy writ, but are obviously dated. The aim of "Clausewitz Reconsidered" is to bring the master's theories up to date, providing the current generation with a new basis for thought and analysis.